endorsed Louisiana Rep. Letlow defeats Fleming in competitive GOP Senate runoff, AP projects
News
Letlow largely campaigned on the president’s endorsement.
In a race between two staunch conservatives in Louisiana who campaigned on their loyalty to President Donald Trump, Rep. Julia Letlow will win the state’s Republican Senate runoff, the Associated Press projected Saturday evening.
As of 9:47 p.m. EDT, with 39% of the expected vote, Letlow received about 55% of the vote, defeating Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming with about 45% of the vote, according to the AP.
Details
In her victory speech in Baton Rouge, Letlow cast herself as a fighter and offered effusive praise for Trump.
She called him “the greatest president this country has ever had.”
“I knew it was going to be a tough race, and it was filled with trials, but I’m so proud to say that I am truly battle-tested for Nov. 3, and we are going to go win this thing,” Letlow said.
Analysis
Her victory marks another win for the president and his endorsement record this midterm cycle. In the May 16 Republican primary, Letlow led with about 45% of the vote over Fleming, who won about 28% of the vote, according to the AP. Voters cast out two-term incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, who trailed behind with about 25% of the vote.
Letlow rose to political prominence in 2021 after winning a seat in the 5th Congressional District. She ran in a special election after her husband, who had been elected to represent that district, died from COVID-19 complications before he could take office.
Fleming, a physician and former congressman who also served in multiple roles in Trump’s first administration, largely campaigned in lockstep with the president, despite failing to earn his endorsement. The treasurer previously told ABC News they “enjoy a warm relationship.”
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