Louisiana Senate 2026: Cassidy Knocked Out, Trump Sweeps Indiana & West Virginia | GOP Digest May 18, 2026

Louisiana: Cassidy eliminated, MAGA runoff set for June 27

In the biggest primary result of the 2026 cycle, Sen. Bill Cassidy — one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump after January 6 — was knocked out of his own primary Saturday. Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and NRSC-aligned State Treasurer John Fleming advance to a June 27 runoff. Louisiana stays solidly Republican regardless of the outcome.

Trump's endorsement record cementing GOP loyalty

The New York Times notes Trump has now ousted at least five of seven Republican legislators who voted against his redistricting push in Indiana, plus eliminated Cassidy in Louisiana. The message to any remaining GOP dissidents is unambiguous: loyalty is non-negotiable heading into November.

West Virginia: Rachel Anderson wins GOP Senate primary

Attorney Rachel Anderson won the Republican Senate nomination in West Virginia's May 12 primary, setting up a fall race in a state Trump carried by 40+ points in 2024. The seat is a safe Republican hold.

Texas runoff: Paxton leads Cornyn by 8 among likely GOP primary voters

A new Texas Public Opinion Research poll shows AG Ken Paxton leading Sen. John Cornyn 47–39 in the runoff, with Trump notably declining to endorse either candidate. The race is a test of whether the MAGA base will break from Trump's silence.

Georgia: Collins leads GOP Senate primary as Ossoff starts near 50%

An Emerson College poll shows Doug Collins leading the Republican primary field to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, who polls at 49% — under 50% and vulnerable in a state trending Republican at the statewide level.

North Carolina: Whatley enters Senate primary with commanding lead

NRCC chair and RNC co-chair Michael Whatley holds a 30-point lead in the North Carolina GOP Senate primary per a February survey, with the race expected to consolidate further around him before the primary.