President Donald Trump’s endorsement will once again be on the ballot Saturday in the GOP primary runoff for Senate in Louisiana.And low voter turnout could make for an unpredictable race, potentially threatening Trump’s ability to define the terms of the contest in the Bayou State.
Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Trump already ousted GOP Sen.Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, following the Jan.
6, 2021, Capitol riot.The incumbent finished in third place during the May 16 primary, winning just 25% of the vote and failing to qualify for the runoff.Louisiana Senate primary runoff resultsInstead, Trump-backed Rep.
Julia Letlow finished first in that contest with 45% of the vote, followed by state Treasurer John Fleming at 28%.Since no candidate won a majority, Letlow and Fleming headed to a runoff.
Letlow is expected to have an edge in Saturday’s contest thanks in large part to Trump’s support.Trump urged supporters to back Letlow during a tele-rally with the congresswoman Thursday evening, describing her as a “fearless champion” for the state.Letlow in turn pledged to support Trump’s “America First” agenda and framed the race as a choice between “a real conservative fighter or another career politician.”But some Louisiana Republicans say Fleming could pull off a victory in a runoff if there is very low turnout and few but the most ardent conservatives head to the polls.
“I believe that she’s going to win,” Louisiana GOP strategist Lionel Rainey III, who is not involved in the race, said of Letlow.“But I think it’s going to be much, much closer than anybody expects and I would not be shocked if [Fleming] somehow edged this thing out.
I don’t think that’s probable.I do think it is possible.”Fleming believes he can appeal to Trump’s faithful supporters, especially as voters take a fresh look at the candidates....