Rep. Julia Letlow has captured the Republican runoff in Louisiana, powered by a commanding advantage in early and absentee ballots and a sluggish Election Day turnout that left former congressman and current state Treasurer John Fleming unable to close the gap.
Decision Desk HQ projects Julia Letlow wins the Louisiana US Senate Republican Runoff#DecisionMade: 9:40 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/gQJGzMjn5e
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) June 28, 2026
Letlow, who received endorsements from President Donald Trump, Gov. Jeff Landry and a broad network of Louisiana political leaders, is now positioned as the heavy favorite to become the state’s next U.S. senator. She would succeed Bill Cassidy, who finished third in the Republican primary in May.
READ MORE: Louisiana Voters Ended Bill Cassidy’s Senate Career After Two Terms and One Defining Vote
Letlow dominated the early and absentee vote in a contest expected to produce turnout only in the mid-teens. Initial estimates projected that roughly 14% to 17% of Louisiana voters would participate, based in part on weaker-than-expected early voting numbers. Poor weather in some areas appeared to depress turnout further, while reports from other parts of the state suggested many voters simply stayed home.
ALSO READ: Andy Burnham's Policies Poised to Benefit His Wife Financially
Trump’s endorsement proved to be a significant factor in Letlow’s early momentum. She entered the runoff after finishing the primary 17 points ahead of Fleming. Polling before Saturday’s vote had been uneven, with some surveys indicating Fleming might still be competitive. But with half the ballots counted, Letlow held a 10-point lead, leaving Fleming with no clear route to overtake her.
On the Democratic side, political newcomer Jamie Davis won his party’s runoff comfortably and will advance to face Letlow in the November general election. His challenge, however, may be even steeper than Fleming’s. Louisiana remains a deeply Republican state and is widely viewed as unlikely to elect a Democrat statewide, despite the party quickly coalescing around Davis. He has emphasized his background as a Black farmer, businessman and gun owner in an effort to unite Democratic voters, but his path to victory appears extremely narrow.
Letlow’s victory underscores the continued influence of Trump’s endorsement in Republican politics, while also highlighting the strength of Gov. Jeff Landry’s political operation. Landry reportedly pushed Trump to back Letlow before she formally entered the race, and PACs aligned with the governor carried much of the effort to define and attack Fleming throughout the campaign.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
