A Trump-backed challenger has defeated a two-term Republican senator who voted to convict the president during his impeachment trial in 2021.
Congresswoman Julia Letlow will advance to a runoff next month, ousting incumbent Bill Cassidy, who President Donald Trump branded a 'disloyal disaster' ahead of Louisiana's high-stakes contest on Saturday.
State treasurer John Fleming, another Trump-aligned candidate, also advanced to the Republican runoff for Louisiana's Senate seat.
The top two candidates, Letlow and Fleming, will face off again in late June as neither won a simple majority. The candidate who wins the runoff will then run against a Democratic contender in the general election.
Cassidy, 68, was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump after the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He sought to mend his relationship with Trump during his re-election campaign, yet Trump had already endorsed Letlow.
Letlow expressed gratitude toward Trump after her victory, while Cassidy emphasized the importance of public service over loyalty to individuals.
This election highlights the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, with candidates closely aligning with Trump gaining significant traction in Louisiana and potentially reshaping the party's future.
