We could see more Republican candidates enter next year’s U.S. Senate race and challenge incumbent Bill Cassidy. Carencro State Representative Julie Emerson told the Advocate she will throw her hat into the ring, if Congresswoman Julia Letlow doesn’t get in the race. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says everyone is waiting to see if Letlow will make a run for Senate.
“She’d want to get Donald Trump’s promised endorsement upfront, I would think, before she’d make that move. And that may be what’s holding things up,” Cross said.
St. Tammany Councilwoman Kathy Seiden has also indicated she could enter the U.S. Senate race. Seiden said she’s hired a pollster connected to President Trump to see if voters are looking for a fresh face to represent Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.
State Treasurer John Fleming, Acadiana state Senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta have already announced their candidacies. Cross says other than Letlow, all these candidates can make a run for U.S. Senate and not lose their current seat.
“It’s a free pass to run in the Senate race. You don’t have to give up your seat, and you can see, you know. Who knows? In a closed, very tight primary, you may squeak ahead,” Cross explained.
In April, there will be a primary, as Republican and no party voters will have a chance to elect a candidate for the November election. Cassidy has drawn three challengers and could face more. Cross says it’s a sign that many see Cassidy as vulnerable because of his 2021 vote to impeach President Trump.
“I think there’s blood in the water and people who want to move up who think, ‘Oh, I’d be a good senator. I’m going to jump in the race.’ They’re getting in it,” Cross said.
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