Full Breakdown
Trump-Endorsed Julia Letlow Faces John Fleming in Louisiana Senate Runoff
6/27/2026, 9:49:33 PM
Background and Candidate Profiles
Incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Donald Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial, placed third in the May 16 primary with about 25 % of the vote, ending his re-election bid. Trump then endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow, who won 44.9 % of the primary, while state Treasurer John Fleming earned 28.3 %. Letlow, a former university administrator and U.S. Representative for the 5th district, is backed by Trump, Gov. Jeff Landry, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Republican senators. Fleming, a 74-year-old former congressman and former White House aide, markets himself as a “MAGA conservative” and cites his service, though he did not receive Trump’s endorsement.
Primary Results and Campaign Finances
Letlow’s 44.9 % primary lead fell short of a majority, prompting the runoff; Fleming trailed with 28.3 % and Cassidy with 24.8 % (Decision Desk HQ). Both spent about $1 million on ads, while a super PAC for Letlow has poured $4 million (AdImpact). Letlow carried six of the 13 parishes Fleming previously represented, including Caddo, and performed well in Orleans and East Baton Rouge.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump called Letlow a “great star” and “total winner,” promising she will defend the state’s economy and energy sector. Letlow said the endorsement reflects her “America First” stance and pledged to secure the border, support law enforcement, and unleash American energy. Senate Republican leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune, have stayed neutral.
Criticism and Controversies
Fleming highlighted his longer loyalty to Trump, recalling a call in which Trump called him “fantastic.” He also attacked Letlow’s prior DEI support, sharing an AI-generated video that misrepresented her comments; Letlow called the video “disgraceful and indefensible.” Fleming opposes carbon-capture projects, arguing they waste federal subsidies and infringe property rights.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A June internal poll for Fleming’s campaign showed him five points ahead, while independent surveys and betting markets give Letlow roughly an 85 % chance to win. Turnout among voters who ousted Cassidy remains uncertain, leaving the runoff margin unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She’s a strong, America First conservative who has stood with me from the very, very beginning, and she’s been tested at the highest level, the most difficult level, and she’s always performed, and she is something very special,” — Donald Trump, former President
- “I said nobody has been more loyal to you than me,” — John Fleming, former U.S. Representative
- “We have a chance to send a clear message that Louisiana stands with President Trump,” — Julia Letlow, U.S. Representative
- “Higher-information voters in more populous areas are going to fall into that Letlow camp,” — Mary Patricia Wray, political consultant
What’s Next
The runoff winner will become the GOP nominee in a state that has voted Republican by margins over 18 % in recent presidential elections and is widely expected to win the November Senate race, shaping the Republican conference.
