(The Center Square) − U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow’s primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy set off a Republican scramble for the congressional seat she holds and widened the field of candidates looking to unseat him.
At least five state legislators have signaled interest in the race for the 5th Congressional District that Letlow has represented since 2021. Cassidy, seeking a third term, faces at least six challengers in the May 16 primary. Qualifying begins on Feb. 11.
Lutlow announced her bid on Tuesday, days after she was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has criticized Cassidy for voting to convict him on impeachment charges following the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, has also clashed with the Trump administration over health care.
“Louisiana deserves a conservative Senator who will not waver,” Letlow posted on X. “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and trust.”
Cassidy, backed by Senate GOP leaders, said Letlow called him Tuesday to notify him of her decision.
“She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election,” he posted on X. “I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.”
Letlow joins a list of Republican challengers that includes former congressman and current State Treasurer John Fleming and two state legislators: Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden also are in the race.
A number of other Republicans are considering the congressional seat that Letlow won in a special election following the Covid-19 death of her husband, Rep-elect Luke Letlow. The district stretches from the Baton Rouge area north and east toward Monroe and the Mississippi line.
The field could be narrowed significantly if former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves enters the race. Graves served in Congress until 2024, when his district was redrawn and he decided to not seek re-election.
State Rep. Dixon McMakin told The Center Square that Graves’ decision in the 5th District race would affect his.
“I hope Congressman Graves will run and be our voice in Congress again but if he stays out, I will most likely be running for the open seat to be a candidate for all of District 5,” McMakin said.
Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, said several other state legislators have privately expressed interest, including Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, R-Marksville and Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe.
“Yes, I am definitely considering running,” Deshotel told The Center Square.
The winner of the primary will advance to the November general election. Members of Congress serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 annually.
