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Sen. Cassidy knocked out of Louisiana Republican primary as Trump-backed Letlow, Fleming make runoff

Fleming advanced alongside Letlow and will face her in the Senate runoff.

Sen. Cassidy knocked out of Louisiana Republican primary as Trump-backed Letlow, Fleming make runoff
Image · LancasterOnline

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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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LancasterOnlinevia Associated Press
May 17, 2026
tl;dr

Bill Cassidy was eliminated in Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary, while Julia Letlow and John Fleming advanced to a June 27 runoff. The result highlights Donald Trump’s influence in the race and leaves Cassidy’s Senate seat contested.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
John Fleming R · LA
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Fleming in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Fleming’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Louisiana Senate candidate who advanced to the Republican runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Julia Letlow
R · LA-5

Louisiana representative who advanced to the Senate runoff

Letlow's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose endorsement and attacks shaped the Republican primary

Trump's version of this story ↗
Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator eliminated in the Republican primary

Cassidy's version of this story ↗
Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Kentucky representative facing a Trump-backed primary challenger

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
R · Secretary of Health and Human Services

Secretary of Health and Human Services, discussed in connection with Cassidy’s support and criticism

Democratic Senate candidate who advanced to a runoff

Democratic Senate candidate in a close contest for the second runoff spot

Democratic Senate candidate in a close contest for the second runoff spot

Republican challenger to Thomas Massie

Former U.S. representative and Julia Letlow’s late husband

ALSO MENTIONED  Casey Means, Trump’s second choice for surgeon general, whose nomination was withdrawn; Dadrius Lanus, Executive director of the state Democratic Party; John Martin, Voter who said he supported Letlow because of Trump’s endorsement and remained upset with Cassidy; Landry, Political figure who suggested Letlow to Trump as a Senate challenger

Part of a bigger story

22 OUTLETS
Letlow and Fleming Advance to Louisiana Senate Runoff

Outlets agree that Bill Cassidy lost Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary and Julia Letlow and John Fleming advanced to a runoff. Fleming’s role is to face Letlow in the contest for the Republican nomination. Left-leaning outlets connect the result to Trump’s endorsement and Cassidy’s past impeachment vote, while also noting Cassidy’s criticism of election denial. Center outlets mostly report the result and place it in the context of Trump’s influence, with some also discussing election-process issues or the runoff outlook. Right-leaning outlets more strongly cast Cassidy’s defeat as tied to Trump’s influence and Cassidy’s vote to convict him.

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