Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming advanced to Louisiana’s GOP Senate runoff after finishing first and second in the May 16 primary, with Letlow leading the field.

The runoff pits Letlow, who drew strong support from GOP figures including Gov. Jeff Landry and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, against Fleming, a founder of the Conservative House Freedom Caucus with a record of loyalty to Trump.

Rep. Julia Letlow won the Louisiana Senate primary runoff, signaling her advancement in the state’s election process.

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Policy contrasts include Letlow’s past support for DEI and Fleming’s opposition to carbon capture and sequestration projects, which he argues threaten private property rights and rely on federal subsidies.

The article is dated June 28, 2026, situating the piece in the 2026 election cycle.

Campaign dynamics show spending parity between the campaigns (about $1 million each) and a Letlow-friendly super PAC backing significant additional spend (around $4 million since the primary).

Fleming positions himself on MAGA credentials and a conservative voting record, claiming loyalty to Trump, while Letlow portrays herself as a pro-Trump candidate who will stand with him in the Senate.

Letlow, endorsed by President Trump, aims to clinch the nomination as part of a broader effort to replace Republican detractors with loyalists.

The Louisiana race unfolds in a heavily Republican state where Trump carried it by a wide margin in 2024, highlighting national party dynamics around loyalty to Trump.

In the May 16 primary, Letlow led with nearly 45% of the vote, Fleming around 28%, and Cassidy about 25%, with Letlow winning in rural and southeastern parishes including Caddo Parish.

Letlow stresses conservative priorities like opposing DEI and supporting restrictions on transgender athletes in school sports; Fleming emphasizes opposition to carbon capture and sequestration and appeals to rural voters wary of environmental policies.