Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 18, 2026 – President Donald Trump issued a complete endorsement for Louisiana Representative Julia Letlow to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Bill Cassidy in the 2026 Senate race. Trump posted on Truth Social calling Letlow a “TOTAL WINNER” with his “Complete and Total Endorsement” if she enters the race. Letlow responded expressing honour at the support, while Cassidy affirmed confidence in his reelection as a principled conservative.
President Trump announced the endorsement on Saturday night via Truth Social, targeting Cassidy’s seat despite Letlow’s lack of formal candidacy declaration. The move highlights tensions from Cassidy’s 2021 vote to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial over January 6 events. As reported by David Cohen of Politico, Trump wrote,
“Should she decide to enter this RACE, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!”
Letlow replied on X stating honour at Trump’s endorsement and trust, emphasising a safer stronger nation for children. She declared the Senate seat belongs to Louisiana people deserving unwavering conservative leadership. Cassidy responded on social media affirming his reelection bid.
NBC News political reporter Sahil Kapur highlighted the endorsement’s impact. Sahil Kapur said in X post,
“Trump throws a dagger into the Louisiana Senate race, pushing Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy, who has worked hard to stay on Trump’s good side. Trump: ‘Should she decide to enter this Race, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!'”
Trump throws a dagger into the Louisiana Senate race, pushing Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy, who has worked hard to stay on Trump’s good side.
Trump: “Should she decide to enter this Race, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!” pic.twitter.com/NzsFON09jl
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) January 18, 2026
Julia Letlow’s Political Rise and Congressional Record
Julia Letlow won a special election in March 2021 for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District following her husband Luke Letlow’s death from Covid-19 complications weeks after his election victory. She secured full terms in 2022 by 63%-37% and 2024 by similar margins. Letlow serves on the House Appropriations Committee and House Education and Workforce Committee.
Her district encompasses northeastern Louisiana including Monroe and Alexandria, recently redrawn to include Baton Rouge areas per 2024 Supreme Court map. Letlow maintains perfect scores from National Right to Life Committee and Heritage Action. She cosponsored Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and Luke Letlow Public Health Preparedness Act.
Letlow voted with Trump positions 95-97% during his first term per FiveThirtyEight. She supported 2025 government funding bill avoiding shutdown. Fundraising reached $1.8 million for 2024 cycle per OpenSecrets.
Senator Bill Cassidy responded directly to the endorsement. Bill Cassidy, M.D. said in X post,
“I’m proudly running for re-election as a principled conservative who gets things done for the people of Louisiana. If Congresswoman Letlow decides to run I am confident I will win.”
I’m proudly running for re-election as a principled conservative who gets things done for the people of Louisiana. If Congresswoman Letlow decides to run I am confident I will win.
— Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@BillCassidy) January 18, 2026
Bill Cassidy’s Senate Career and Trump Tensions
Bill Cassidy holds Louisiana’s Senate seat since 2015, winning reelection in 2020 by 56%-44% against Democrat Adrian Perkins. He serves as ranking member Senate Health Committee and Energy Committee. Cassidy raised $2.1 million in 2023-2024 cycle, holds $9 million cash-on-hand.
Cassidy supported Trump 2016 and 2020 campaigns but voted to convict in 2021 impeachment trial alongside six GOP senators. Trump criticised the vote on Truth Social in 2021. Cassidy defended citing January 6 evidence. Cassidy authored Cassidy-Quinn Child Care Act passed 2024 and secured $1.2 billion Louisiana flood protection.
Cassidy’s spokesperson Ashley Bosch stated he delivers conservative results supporting president’s agenda. Cassidy informed NBC News Wednesday senior Trump officials indicated no endorsement against him.
Louisiana 2026 Senate Race Structure and Timeline
Louisiana employs closed party primaries for 2026 congressional races per new law. Republicans vote separately; top two advance if no majority. Qualifying likely August-September 2026, primary November 7, runoff or general December 5. Cook Political Report rates Solid Republican.
Trump carried Louisiana 19 points in 2024. Governor Jeff Landry Trump supporter discussed Letlow challenge with president per AP sources May 2025. Landry stated race depends on Trump’s decision.
Other GOP challengers include state Treasurer John Fleming, state Senator Blake Miguez, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. Fleming former congressman, Miguez Acadiana legislator, Skrmetta Trump Louisiana co-chair.
Letlow’s Family Legacy and Policy Priorities
Luke Letlow directed Trump Louisiana campaign finance 2020. Julia maintained staff continuity post-death. Letlow teaching background informs education focus; secured $15 million Louisiana Technical College 2024.
Letlow criticises Biden student loan forgiveness, supports term limits. Her X post post-endorsement garnered 12,000 likes in 24 hours. No campaign launch as of Sunday; House term expires January 2027 allowing Senate pursuit.
Letlow withdrew LSU leadership consideration last week fuelling Senate speculation per NBC News. House Republican close to her noted Appropriations reluctance but serious contemplation.
Trump’s Senate Endorsement Pattern in Primaries
Trump endorses early against critics like Cassidy. Precedents Ohio Bernie Moreno, Montana Tim Sheehy. Louisiana 2017 Trump backed John Kennedy over establishment; Kennedy won 38 points.
GOP defends 22 Senate seats 2026 midterms, Democrats 13. Trump kingmaker role shapes fields. NRSC chair Steve Daines praises influence.
Cassidy allies note Senate role importance. Pollster John Couvillon worked Fleming, Letlow, Miguez; expects Trump endorsement.
Regional Political Dynamics and Voter Base
Louisiana legislature Republican 72-33 House, 27-12 Senate. Letlow district Cook PVI R+28. Baton Rouge inclusion boosts visibility.
Republican strategist James Hartman called Letlow top contender with name recognition, favourable reputation. Her Trump support overcomes vaccine stance doubts among conservatives.
Letlow first Republican woman Congress from Louisiana. Family resides Start, Louisiana.
Fundraising and Electoral History Comparison
Cassidy 2020 raised $12 million. Letlow 2024 $1.8 million House. Incumbents hold advantage; Letlow needs significant funds.
Cassidy 2020 primary 60% avoided runoff. Letlow special 65%-35%, full terms 30+ margins.
GOP base unease Cassidy impeachment vote per MAGA challengers. Landry Trump ally pushes alternatives.
National Republican Senate Strategy Implications
GOP 53-47 majority post-2024. 2026 defends vulnerable seats Maine, North Carolina, Georgia. Louisiana safe but primary consumes resources.
Trump endorsement pressures Cassidy despite Thune, Scott support. Letlow entry elevates profile.
No Democratic contenders announced. Race focuses GOP primary.
Statements from Key Figures in Louisiana Senate Contest
Julia Letlow said,
“I’m honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and trust. My mission is clear: to ensure the nation our children inherit is safer and stronger. This United States Senate seat belongs to the people of Louisiana, because we deserve conservative leadership that will not waver.”
Trump Truth Social,
“I know Julia well, have seen her tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and she is a TOTAL WINNER!”
Cassidy X post confidence in prevailing if Letlow runs.
Landry to USA Today,
“I think this race will depend on the decision the president makes.”
Bosch statement,
“Senator Cassidy delivers conservative results… confident voters will re-elect him.”
Historical Context of Louisiana Senate Races
Last competitive 2014; Cassidy beat Mary Landrieu runoff. Jungle primary phased for 2026 congressional.
Trump 2024 Louisiana 19 points. Letlow House safe seat enables ambition.
Letlow LSU withdrawal signals Senate lean. Hartman: “All her positives overcome that.”
Couvillon: Trump wants Senate chair endorsement.
Potential Primary Field and Momentum Shifts
Fleming, Miguez, Skrmetta declared. Letlow wildcard per sources. Emerson Lafayette considering major candidate entry.
Trump Saturday post pre-Super Bowl cycle. Letlow response indicates consideration.
GOP state legislator:
“Everyone eager to see what Julia decides.”