NBC News projects that Representative Julia Letlow has clinched the Republican nomination for the Senate in Louisiana, successfully defeating state Treasurer John Fleming. This outcome represents a notable triumph for the slate of political candidates favored by former President Donald Trump.
Trump had signaled his support for Letlow early in the primary campaign. The contest moved to a runoff after no candidate secured a majority during the initial voting phase on May 16. The former president entered the Louisiana race with the specific goal of unseating Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who had cast a vote to convict Trump during his impeachment proceedings following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
In the first round of the primary, Letlow led the field by securing 45% of the vote, while Fleming followed with 28%. Senator Cassidy earned only 25% of the support, failing to qualify for the runoff.
Given that Louisiana is a reliably Republican state—where Trump secured a 22-point victory in 2024—Letlow is now well-positioned to win the seat in November. Meanwhile, Democrat Jamie Davis, a local farmer, secured the Democratic nomination for the Senate race on Saturday night.
Throughout the campaign, Letlow reaffirmed her commitment to backing the former president’s policy objectives. During a telerally with Trump on Thursday, she pledged that upon arriving in the United States Senate, she would remain steadfast in her efforts to support his America First agenda.
Letlow defined the contest as a critical choice between electing a genuine conservative fighter or choosing another career politician who does not prioritize saving the country. She also advocated for ending the Senate filibuster to facilitate the passage of the Trump-backed Save America Act, which aims to overhaul federal election laws.
Although Fleming campaigned on the premise that he was the most loyal Trump ally in the race, frequently criticizing Letlow’s previous stances on foreign aid and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, his efforts fell short. Letlow noted earlier this year that she had reconsidered her position on DEI after further scrutiny and has since taken a firm stance against it.
Trump’s endorsement served as a significant catalyst for Letlow, who also received substantial support from an allied super PAC. Beyond the former president, she enjoyed the backing of prominent Louisiana Republicans, including Governor Jeff Landry, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Representative Clay Higgins.
Letlow is poised to transition to the Senate after serving nearly three terms in the House of Representatives, where she held a position on the influential Appropriations Committee. Her political career began in 2021 when she won a special election following the passing of her husband, Luke Letlow. He had been elected to the House in 2020 but tragically died from COVID-19 before he could take the oath of office.
