Former Congressman and current Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming has launched a campaign to challenge incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy in the 2026 Louisiana Senate race. Fleming, a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, criticizes Cassidy as a "RINO Republican," signaling a potentially heated contest. He previously served in the U.S. House from 2009-2017 and held positions in the Trump administration. After an unsuccessful Senate bid in 2016, he secured the Treasurer's office in 2023 with Trump's endorsement.
Fleming identifies ideologically with conservative figures such as Representatives Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Andy Harris, and Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee. He advocates for abolishing the Department of Education and opposes raising the debt ceiling, preferring to leverage it for spending cuts. While supporting military aid to allies like Taiwan and Israel, he cautions against excessive foreign intervention, citing the challenges in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Fleming also backs the TikTok ban due to national security concerns, calling for its prohibition until it's free from Chinese government influence. He recalls his 2016 Senate run, where he competed against 23 candidates in Louisiana's jungle primary system. Cassidy's 2014 victory involved a runoff after placing second, while he secured a majority in 2020, avoiding a runoff. Cassidy's vote to convict Trump in the second impeachment trial is a key point of contention for Fleming, who argues it could have prevented Trump's reelection.
Cassidy's campaign highlights his fundraising prowess, exceeding $6.5 million cash-on-hand, while pointing to Fleming's previous campaign debt. Fleming's campaign clarifies that the debt is personal and contextualizes his 2016 results, citing the crowded field and the eventual winner's similar background as State Treasurer. They emphasize Cassidy's vote to convict Trump as a critical issue in the upcoming election.
Despite past endorsements, the relationship between Cassidy and Trump has seen shifts. Cassidy previously suggested Trump withdraw from the 2024 race, citing unfavorable polls. However, after Trump's nomination, he committed to working with him if elected, and congratulated him on his recent inauguration. Trump had endorsed Cassidy in 2020, praising his alignment with the MAGA agenda.
