Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy loses Louisiana’s U.S. Senate primary and does not advance to the runoff, according to NBC News projections and reporting across outlets. Cassidy, seeking a third term, places behind Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming, who advance to a June 27 runoff. NBC News reports that Letlow and Fleming move forward after Cassidy falls short of the top positions needed for the next round.
Several sources link Cassidy’s primary defeat to fallout from his 2021 vote to convict former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial following the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack. NPR reports Trump endorsed Cassidy’s opponent, Letlow, and the Guardian and Washington Times describe Trump as intervening to push voters away from Cassidy. Coverage also notes Cassidy’s broader political history, including mention in The Guardian of his past vote affecting a federal health leadership nomination.
After the results, Cassidy concedes and speaks publicly, focusing on democratic norms and stating he is not alleging the election was stolen. The general election in November is expected to be competitive mainly within the Republican-dominated environment, with Republicans heavily favored to win, based on outlet summaries.
