Bill Cassidy Ousted in Louisiana Senate 2026; Massie Primary Tuesday | GOP Digest May 18, 2026

Cassidy Ousted in Louisiana, Trump Wins Big:

Sen. Bill Cassidy failed to advance in Saturday's Louisiana Senate primary, five years after voting to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial. Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and MAGA-aligned State Treasurer John Fleming advanced to the runoff. The result signals that crossing Trump carries a steep political price heading into 2026.

Hegseth Hits Kentucky Against Massie as Tuesday Primary Looms:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Kentucky on Sunday to campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Tuesday's Republican primary, acting in his "personal capacity." Trump posted on Truth Social calling Massie a "LOSER" and demanding Kentucky send him packing, while also threatening to revoke Lauren Boebert's endorsement after she appeared at a Massie event. Tuesday's primary is the most-watched intra-party contest of the spring cycle.

Rogers Leads in Michigan; McMorrow's Unpaid Water Bills Exposed:

A second independent poll confirms Republican Mike Rogers holds a lead over his Democratic rivals in Michigan's open Senate seat. The NRSC also flagged that Democratic candidate Mallory McMorrow — who campaigns on water affordability — racked up nearly $3,000 in unpaid water and sewer bills on her $1.28 million Royal Oak home, paying only after press inquiry.

Cooper's Criminal Justice Record Back in Spotlight:

The NRSC is hammering former NC Governor Roy Cooper over the murder of a teacher by a suspect with 20 prior arrests whose charges were reduced by a Cooper-appointed judge. Under Cooper's watch, 3,500 inmates were released in 2021 with 560 later re-arrested. North Carolina is a top NRSC target for 2026.

NRCC Expands Battlefield in OH, PA, IA:

The NRCC released internal polling in Ohio's 9th District showing Democrat Marcy Kaptur at 42% disapproval, with Republican Derek Merrin positioned to flip the seat. In Pennsylvania, the NRCC is targeting Democrat Bob Harvie over a broken "no corporate money" pledge, while boosting Rep. Matt Bresnahan's pro-agriculture work in NEPA.

ActBlue CEO Faces Congressional Grilling June 10:

The CEO of Democratic fundraising powerhouse ActBlue is scheduled for a June 10 congressional hearing after the organization allegedly misled Congress regarding foreign donations to Democratic campaigns. Republicans are expected to use the hearing as a major midterm messaging vehicle.

Parliamentarian Kills $1B White House Provision in Reconciliation Bill:

The Senate parliamentarian struck down a $1 billion White House security provision tied to a planned ballroom renovation from the Republican reconciliation bill. The ruling is a procedural setback for the "Big Beautiful Bill," which remains the Senate GOP's top legislative priority.

Tennessee Goes All-Red; Last Dem Seat Eliminated:

Tennessee's only remaining Democratic congressman, Rep. Steve Cohen, tearfully announced he will not seek reelection after Republican redistricting made his Memphis-area seat unwinnable. The move cements a fully Republican Tennessee congressional delegation ahead of 2026.