Rep. Julia Letlow has emerged victorious in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana, according to NBC News projections. She defeated state Treasurer John Fleming in the contest, securing another win for the slate of candidates preferred by President Donald Trump.
Trump had offered his endorsement early in the race, which proceeded to a runoff after no GOP contender secured a majority during the initial primary vote on May 16. The former president had focused on the state in a strategic move to unseat GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had voted to convict him during impeachment proceedings following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
In the first round of the primary, Letlow led the field with 45% of the vote, followed by Fleming with 28%. Sen. Cassidy managed only 25%, failing to qualify for the runoff stage. With this win, Letlow is now well-positioned for the November general election in a traditionally Republican state that saw Trump win by a 22-point margin in 2024. Democrat Jamie Davis, a farmer, also secured his party’s nomination on Saturday night.
Letlow has consistently pledged her loyalty to the president’s platform. During a telerally held with Trump on Thursday, she promised that upon reaching the U.S. Senate, she would never retreat from defending his “America First” agenda. Throughout her campaign, she framed the race as a critical choice between electing a genuine conservative fighter or choosing a career politician who would not prioritize saving the country. She further advocated for ending the Senate filibuster to facilitate the passage of the Save America Act, a legislative measure supported by Trump to reform U.S. election laws.
While Fleming also attempted to position himself as the most dedicated Trump ally in the race, he frequently criticized Letlow for her previous stances on foreign aid and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Letlow clarified to NBC News earlier this year that her perspective on DEI shifted after she scrutinized the concept more closely, leading her to actively oppose such initiatives. Trump’s endorsement, coupled with support from allied super PACs, ultimately provided a significant boost to her campaign.
Letlow additionally drew endorsements from prominent Louisiana Republican figures, including Gov. Jeff Landry, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Rep. Clay Higgins. Currently serving nearly three terms in the House, where she holds a seat on the Appropriations Committee, Letlow is now expected to advance to the Senate. She first entered Congress in 2021 after winning a special election following the death of her husband, Luke Letlow, who passed away due to Covid shortly before his scheduled swearing-in.
