Story perspectives

Trump Backs Letlow Against Cassidy Amid Mixed Midterm Results

1/18/2026

Center

Trump Endorses Letlow

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana.
Rep. Julia Letlow expressed gratitude for the endorsement and pledged conservative leadership.
Sen. Cassidy said he is confident in his re-election despite the endorsement.
Trump suggested canceling midterm elections, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said he was joking.
Recent special elections showed Alabama victory and Connecticut loss, signaling mixed midterm results.

Left

Urban Warns Voter Dissatisfaction

David Urban, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, warns that voter dissatisfaction with ICE tactics could hurt Trump's support before the midterm elections.
Urban cites a Quinnipiac poll showing 53% of Americans believe the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent was unjustified.
He notes border security has broad support, but ICE's aggressive actions, including violent arrests, alienate voters and risk political backlash.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Julia Letlow won a special election for Louisiana's 5th congressional district, following her husband Luke's death from COVID-19. Her campaign, endorsed by Donald Trump, raised $683,000 and garnered over 64% of the vote. Amid rising voter dissatisfaction with immigration policies, highlighted by a Quinnipiac poll showing 53% of Americans viewed ICE actions as unjustified, Letlow's conservative stance may influence future Republican strategies.

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Trump Endorses Letlow

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana.
Rep. Julia Letlow expressed gratitude for the endorsement and pledged conservative leadership.
Sen. Cassidy said he is confident in his re-election despite the endorsement.
Trump suggested canceling midterm elections, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said he was joking.
Recent special elections showed Alabama victory and Connecticut loss, signaling mixed midterm results.

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