Trump-backed Julia Letlow faces John Fleming in Louisiana GOP Senate runoff

In Louisiana, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, the preferred candidate of former President Donald Trump, is competing against state Treasurer John Fleming in a crucial Republican Senate runoff. The election is seen as a significant test of Trump's influence as he works to unseat GOP incumbents who have not aligned with him.

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We have a chance to send a clear message that Louisiana stands with President Trump. He endorsed me because he knows I will stand with him.

Letlow secured Trump's endorsement and finished first in the primary with nearly 45% of the vote, significantly ahead of Fleming's 28% and Senator Bill Cassidy's nearly 25%. Cassidy, a two-term senator, was among those Trump targeted after voting to convict him following his 2021 impeachment. Letlow's victory would represent another win for Trump's strategy of backing challengers against those he deems disloyal.

Letlow, who was elected to the House in 2021 after her husband Luke Letlow died before taking office, has garnered substantial support. She received backing from Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Her campaign has emphasized her alignment with Trump, with Letlow stating, "We have a chance to send a clear message that Louisiana stands with President Trump. He endorsed me because he knows I will stand with him."

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Trump's lady all the way.

Fleming, a former member of the House Freedom Caucus and an appointee in Trump's first administration, is appealing to the "Make America Great Again" base. He has highlighted his conservative voting record and reminded voters that he did not resign after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Fleming claims he was initially blocked from seeking Trump's endorsement by allies of Governor Landry, but eventually connected with the former president, asserting his loyalty: "I said nobody has been more loyal to you than me."

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I always vote whatever Trump wants.

Supporters like Barbara Dufrene, 67, of Marrero, express unwavering loyalty to Trump, stating, "Trump's lady all the way." Dufrene admitted knowing little about Letlow herself but trusted the president to address her concerns about healthcare costs and social safety nets, concluding, "I always vote whatever Trump wants."

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I said nobody has been more loyal to you than me.