Bill Cassidy Defeated in Louisiana Republican Primary After Split With Trump

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has been defeated in his state's Republican primary, a loss widely seen as a consequence of his past break with former President Donald Trump. Despite outspending his rivals, Cassidy finished third in Saturday's primary, failing to qualify for a runoff election.

The senator's defeat underscores the continued influence of Trump within the Republican Party. Cassidy was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. In the years since, he was unable to repair that relationship, even as he attempted to align himself with Trump's policy agenda and supported the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump's health secretary.

Trump endorsed U.S. Representative Julia Letlow, who finished first in the primary. She will face state Treasurer John Fleming, a former Trump administration official, in the June 27 runoff for the Republican nomination. In a victory speech, Letlow stated there is no greater endorsement than that of President Trump. Trump celebrated her win on social media, criticizing Cassidy as ungrateful and disloyal.