WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signaled support for a potential Republican primary challenger to Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a rare move against an incumbent member of his own party that underscores ongoing tensions between Trump and some GOP lawmakers, particularly in the Senate.
Trump publicly encouraged Rep. Julia Letlow, also of Louisiana, to consider a 2026 Senate bid and offered his “complete and total endorsement” on Saturday night if she enters the race. Letlow has not formally launched a campaign but said she was honored by Trump’s support. Three people familiar with the matter told Politico she could announce as soon as Monday.
Cassidy, a two-term senator and physician, has faced political headwinds since voting to convict Trump during the president’s second impeachment trial following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The vote drew ire from Trump’s inner circle and has remained a point of contention between Cassidy and the president’s most passionate supporters.
Cassidy has taken steps seen as aimed at improving relations with Trump’s allies, including voting to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services despite harboring doubts. Still, Cassidy has struggled to consolidate support among core Trump voters.
Trump’s public encouragement of Letlow comes after people close to him indicated he was unlikely to endorse in certain Senate races, citing concerns that bruising primary fights could complicate the administration’s legislative agenda.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota raised those concerns during a phone call with Trump on Friday, according to multiple reports, warning that opposing Cassidy could jeopardize key priorities, including major health care initiatives. Trump ultimately moved forward with his endorsement.
Louisiana recently shifted from a jungle primary to a closed-party primary system for federal elections, meaning Cassidy must now win a Republican primary to advance to the general election — a change that will amplify the influence of Trump’s backing.
Cassidy has said he intends to seek a third term. In response to Trump’s comments, he described himself as a “principled conservative who gets things done for the people of Louisiana” and said he remains confident he can win even if Letlow enters the race.
Letlow, who was elected to the House in 2021 after winning a special election for the seat previously held by her late husband, thanked Trump for his support and emphasized her focus on national security and conservative values.
The weekend intervention reflects broader strains within the Republican Party between establishment-aligned incumbents and Trump-backed challengers — tensions that continue to shape the party ahead of November’s elections.
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Our supposedly elected representatives are compromised with bribery or blackmail by their own choices.
They have failed us.
Our elections mean nothing when machines can change votes.
Our own government works against us.
Trump needs to stop doing this against his own party. We end up with weaker candidates. Also, he’s just contributing to the demise of white males. How about worrying about dumping the ayatollah and the Russian madman.