Full Breakdown
Trump-Backed Julia Letlow Wins Louisiana Republican Senate Runoff
6/29/2026, 1:23:41 AM
Louisiana GOP Senate Runoff: Letlow Defeats Fleming
On June 27, 2026 voters in Louisiana selected Rep. Julia Letlow over state Treasurer John Fleming in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Bill Cassidy. Projected results from the Associated Press gave Letlow roughly 55 % of the vote to Fleming’s 45 %. The runoff followed a May 16 primary in which Letlow led with about 45 % of the vote, Fleming earned 28 %, and Cassidy placed third with 25 %.
Background: Trump’s Push to Unseat Cassidy
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a two-term incumbent, was eliminated after former President Donald Trump publicly criticized him for voting to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial. Trump announced his support for Letlow in January, urging “Run, Julia, Run!!!” and framing the race as a test of loyalty to his agenda. The primary thus became a focal point for Trump’s effort to replace Republicans who had opposed him.
Candidates and Endorsements
Julia Letlow, 45, is a former university administrator who won a 2021 special election to fill the seat of her late husband, Rep. Luke Letlow, after his death from COVID-19. She has been endorsed by Trump, Governor Jeff Landry, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Rep. Clay Higgins. John Fleming, former U.S. Representative (2009-2017) and founder of the House Freedom Caucus, served as deputy chief of staff in Trump’s first administration and is a self-described “MAGA” conservative. Fleming did not receive Trump’s endorsement but highlighted his own service in the Trump administration.
Vote Totals and Campaign Spending
Both campaigns reported roughly $1 million in advertising expenditures. A super-PAC supporting Letlow outspent all other groups, spending about $4 million on ads since the primary. Letlow carried six of the 13 parishes that Fleming previously represented, including Caddo Parish (Shreveport), and performed strongly in both rural north and the New Orleans area.
Policy Positions and Controversies
Letlow emphasizes support for the “Save America Act,” a Trump-backed election-law overhaul, and advocates eliminating the Senate filibuster to pass it. She opposes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, a stance that contrasts with her 2020 interview supporting DEI while seeking a university presidency. Fleming attacked Letlow on DEI and circulated an AI-generated video that misrepresented her comments about her late husband; Letlow condemned the video as “disgraceful and indefensible.” Fleming also opposed carbon-capture projects, citing property-rights concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump praised Letlow as a “fearless champion” and a “total winner” during a tele-rally. Letlow pledged to “never back down from fighting for your America First agenda” and said she would be the “only candidate” supporting filibuster elimination for the Save America Act. Fleming asserted that “nobody has been more loyal to you than me” and indicated willingness to consider eliminating the filibuster if Republicans reach consensus.
Criticism & Opposition
Fleming’s campaign highlighted Letlow’s prior DEI support and used the AI video to question her authenticity. Republican strategist Lionel Rainey noted that low turnout could narrow the margin, suggesting the race might be closer than projected. Some voters expressed concern that the AI video “nasty on another level” (Rep. Clay Higgins).
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on exact runoff percentages: the AP projected a 55 %–45 % split, while other outlets reported Letlow’s margin as “about 55 % of the vote” without precise numbers for Fleming. Trump’s 2024 margin in Louisiana is cited as both a 22-point lead and a 60 % share of the vote, reflecting different reporting conventions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “tested at the highest level.” — Donald Trump, tele-rally
- “never back down from fighting for your America First agenda.” — Julia Letlow, campaign event
- “I said nobody has been more loyal to you than me,” — John Fleming, campaign stop
- “disgraceful and indefensible,” — Julia Letlow, response to AI deep-fake
- “I’m willing to do whatever — reconciliation, the talking filibuster, even kill the filibuster altogether — whatever is necessary.” — John Fleming, interview
What’s Next
Letlow is expected to become the Republican nominee for the November general election, where she will face Democrat Jamie Davis. If elected, she would be the first Republican woman to represent Louisiana in the Senate and is likely to support Trump’s legislative priorities, including the Save America Act and filibuster reform.
