U.S. Representative Julia Letlow has clinched the Republican nomination for a Louisiana Senate seat, riding a wave of support from President Donald Trump to defeat state Treasurer John Fleming in a Saturday runoff election, according to results published by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.
The runoff came after a tight three-way contest in May that also included two-term Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who failed in his bid to hold onto his seat. Cassidy’s political troubles stemmed largely from his vote to convict President Trump during the second Senate impeachment trial in 2021. More recently, Cassidy clashed openly with Trump at the Capitol in a shouting match over the Iran war, following his vote in favor of a resolution to stop military action against Iran.
Letlow had secured Trump’s backing even before she officially announced she was running. Following Saturday’s results, the president took to Truth Social to celebrate her victory.
“Great News!!! Julia Letlow WON in Louisiana, beating conclusively a very strong and smart opponent. Congratulations to Julia. She will be a truly GREAT Senator!” Trump wrote.
Letlow’s path to Congress began in 2021, when she won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of her husband, Luke Letlow. Before entering politics, she had a career as an educator and university administrator.
In the general election, Letlow will go up against Democrat Jamie Davis, a farmer. Analysts consider her a strong favorite heading into that contest.
