This Republican voted to convict Trump. Now he's up for reelection. Can he survive?
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict former President Trump after the January 6th insurrection, is running for reelection in Louisiana, facing a primary challenge from Trump-endorsed candidates. His bid tests both Trump's influence within the GOP and whether a Republican who broke with the former president can retain voter support. The primary outcome will hinge on whether voters prioritize loyalty to Trump or traditional conservative principles.
- ▪Sen. Bill Cassidy is one of the few Republican senators who voted to convict Trump and is now seeking a third term.
- ▪Cassidy faces two primary challengers, including Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who is endorsed by Trump.
- ▪Louisiana's primary will advance the top two vote-getters to a runoff if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote.
- ▪Julia Letlow, a House member since 2021, has focused on education, parental rights, and pandemic-related initiatives.
- ▪St. Martin Parish GOP Chair Kelby Daigle supports Cassidy despite backlash, arguing conservatism should be based on principles, not loyalty to Trump.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Politics This Republican voted to convict Trump. Now he's up for reelection. Can he survive? May 16, 20268:38 AM ET By Sam Gringlas Sen. Bill Cassidy poses for a portrait after a campaign event in Baton Rouge, La. on May 4, 2026. Annie Flanagan for NPR hide caption toggle caption Annie Flanagan for NPR BATON ROUGE, La. — Most of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict President Trump after the January 6th insurrection have retired. Not Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — he is running for reelection. Cassidy's bid for a third term will test Trump's grip on the party. The outcome may also show what voters want from their representatives in Washington in this political moment — and whether a Republican senator like Cassidy can survive in Congress.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NPR — News.