Landry wants to be kingmaker in Louisiana. He’s annoying other Republicans.

Politics — 2026-05-14 16:00:00 — www.politico.com

Louisiana Governor’s Ambitious Maneuvers Draw GOP Ire

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is positioning himself as a kingmaker in the state’s political landscape, but his aggressive support for Rep. Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign is causing friction among fellow Republicans. As a central figure in former President Donald Trump’s ongoing political vendetta, Landry’s efforts to unseat incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy have raised eyebrows and sparked dissent within the party.

Landry’s Push for Letlow

Landry, a first-term Republican governor, has publicly endorsed Letlow and has taken steps to bolster her campaign against Cassidy, whom many MAGA supporters view as insufficiently loyal to Trump. Reports indicate that Landry has dispatched his chief of staff to advise Letlow’s campaign and has been pressuring major donors to contribute to her efforts. According to six sources familiar with the situation, this behind-the-scenes maneuvering has not gone unnoticed by other Louisiana Republicans.

"We’re in some crazy territory where there are yes men all around the governor," said Kelby Daigle, chair of the St. Martin GOP parish, who supports Cassidy. "They don’t do anything he doesn’t want them to do, and they do everything he wants them to do."

Frustration Among GOP Leaders

Landry’s aggressive tactics have frustrated many within the GOP, who see his actions as overstepping. Nearly a dozen GOP lawmakers and strategists have expressed their concerns, viewing the Senate race as the latest example of Landry’s attempts to strong-arm the party. One prominent Louisiana businessperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, recounted a conference call where Landry solicited donations for Letlow, leading to immediate backlash from Cassidy supporters.

"Governor Landry has gone all-in on Letlow and is pot committed at this point," said a Louisiana Republican strategist, also granted anonymity. "It’s a gamble that could pay off big or drain his political capital."

The Stakes of the May 16 Primary

The upcoming primary on May 16 is expected to be contentious, with polling indicating Letlow holds a slight lead over State Treasurer John Fleming, while Cassidy trails in third. A victory for Letlow would significantly enhance Landry’s standing with the White House, which is keen on ousting Cassidy due to his 2021 impeachment vote against Trump.

However, Landry’s own approval ratings have taken a hit, plummeting from 58% to 43% in just a year. His reputation as a transactional governor is exhausting other Republican leaders, who are wary of his influence.

"All this is him thinking that he can rig certain outcomes as a toady for the President," said an unaffiliated GOP operative. "People in Louisiana are fiercely independent. They don’t want to be told what to do."

Culture of Fear and Comparisons to Huey Long

Critics have drawn comparisons between Landry and Huey Long, the former governor known for his populist tactics. State Rep. Aimee Freeman, a Democrat, noted that "often people in his own party get punished more than the Democrats." Landry’s approach has included using his line-item veto to eliminate funding for projects in districts held by GOP lawmakers who oppose him.

In a controversial move, Landry delayed the state’s House races from May 16 to mid-July following the Supreme Court’s rejection of Louisiana’s congressional map, a decision that has been described as "unchecked power" by Daigle.

Allegations of Campaign Misconduct

As the Senate race heats up, Landry’s involvement has led to accusations of campaign finance violations. Cassidy has filed a complaint alleging that Landry’s top political fundraiser approached donors on Letlow’s behalf, while Fleming has accused Landry of orchestrating negative advertisements targeting his immigration record.

Landry and his chief fundraiser, Courtney Guastella, have not publicly addressed these allegations. Thordahl, Letlow’s spokesperson, defended Landry, stating, "Governor Landry is a friend and an ally, but he does not run Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s campaign."

Conclusion: A Divided GOP

As Landry continues to push for Letlow’s candidacy, the rift within the Louisiana GOP deepens. With accusations of overreach and a culture of fear, Landry’s ambitions may ultimately backfire, leaving the party fractured as it heads into a critical election season. The outcome of the May 16 primary will not only determine Letlow’s political future but also shape the trajectory of Landry’s governorship and his standing within the Republican Party.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/14/jeff-landry-louisiana-senate-race-letlow-00922157