What to Watch in Louisiana’s Republican Senate Runoff
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-27 20:01:00 — www.nytimes.com
Donald Trump’s Endorsement Power Tested Again in Louisiana Senate Runoff
Donald Trump’s influence over Republican primaries faced another test in Louisiana, where his endorsement played a central role in the race to replace Senator Bill Cassidy. Earlier this year, Trump urged voters to oust Cassidy, who had angered Trump and his base by voting to convict him in the 2021 impeachment trial. Trump’s chosen candidate, Representative Julia Letlow, defeated Cassidy by about 20 percentage points in May, but did not secure a majority, forcing a runoff.
Trump’s involvement in the race was direct and vocal. He publicly encouraged Letlow to run, posting “RUN JULIA RUN!!!” on social media in January, and continued to back her aggressively throughout the campaign. In a virtual rally with Letlow, Trump emphasized the stakes, saying the election was a chance to show that “Louisiana stands with President Trump” and to reject “weak career politicians.”
This contest was part of a broader pattern of Trump’s attempts to shape the Republican Party through endorsements. While his support has led to victories in some states, including the ousting of Cassidy and the defeat of other incumbents in Kentucky and Texas, it has not always guaranteed success. Trump’s picks have lost in recent governor’s races in Iowa and Georgia, and he was forced into a dual endorsement in South Carolina after facing resistance.
The Louisiana runoff also highlighted divisions within the party. Letlow’s opponent, State Treasurer John Fleming, a former congressman and longtime Trump loyalist, argued that he was the more authentically conservative choice, despite Trump’s endorsement of Letlow. Fleming claimed that the dynamic had shifted, with voters now preferring a candidate “more Trump-aligned, not the one with the endorsement.”
Trump’s aggressive involvement and public statements have made this race a referendum on his continued sway over Republican voters. The outcome will serve as another indicator of how much weight Trump’s endorsements carry as the party heads into future elections.
In summary, Trump’s record in Louisiana underscores both the power and the limits of his influence. His direct appeals and endorsements can shift the trajectory of races, but they do not always guarantee victory, reflecting a Republican electorate that is sometimes divided even among his supporters. The results of this runoff will further clarify Trump’s standing within his party as he seeks to maintain his grip on Republican politics.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/27/us/politics/louisiana-senate-republican-runoff.html