Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary is shaping up as a high-stakes showdown between incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Julia Letlow, with President Donald Trump and Gov. Jeff Landry playing decisive roles in the contest. Letlow, who is giving up her 5th Congressional District seat to run, has secured Trump’s endorsement and quickly consolidated support among conservatives across the state.

Cassidy’s 2021 vote to convict President Trump during the second impeachment trial remains central to the race. Many grassroots conservatives have viewed that vote as a betrayal, and Trump’s decision to back Letlow underscores the lingering dissatisfaction within the party’s base.

Letlow emphasized her alignment with the president as she qualified for the May 16 Republican primary, pledging to advance an America First agenda in the Senate. “President Trump would never endorse someone who is not a true America First conservative,” she said, dismissing attacks from Cassidy’s campaign as desperate attempts to distract voters.

Gov. Jeff Landry reinforced that message, publicly stating he would “follow the president” in supporting Letlow. Landry has been sharply critical of Cassidy, accusing him of failing to stand up for Louisiana conservatives, particularly on judicial matters. The governor pointed to recent concerns over federal judges and immigration enforcement as evidence that the state needs stronger representation in Washington.

Cassidy, who has held the seat since 2015, has focused his campaign on his legislative record, including his role in the bipartisan infrastructure law and drug policy legislation. However, critics argue that his emphasis on bipartisan achievements reflects a Washington-first approach rather than the America First priorities embraced by Louisiana’s Republican voters.

Efforts by Cassidy’s campaign to portray Letlow as insufficiently conservative have been met with skepticism from many in the GOP, especially as conservative leaders and former opponents have rallied behind her candidacy. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, who had previously considered a run, declined to enter the race and endorsed Letlow instead.

The three-way primary, which also includes state Treasurer John Fleming, is expected to be contentious. But with Trump’s backing and Landry’s vocal support, Letlow enters the race with significant momentum, positioning herself as the candidate aligned with Louisiana’s conservative base and the broader America First movement.