By Trendsetter Tribune 
The race for Louisiana’s political future took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as State Senator Blake Miguez announced he is withdrawing from the U.S. Senate primary. Instead, Miguez will run for the 5th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Julia Letlow, who is vacating the post to challenge incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy.
This “strategic realignment” consolidates the pro-Trump wing of the Louisiana GOP, focusing resources on unseating Cassidy while ensuring a high-profile MAGA ally remains in the House.
The “America First” Realignment
Miguez, a competitive shooter and former State House Majority Leader, had originally entered the Senate race in June 2025 with the explicit goal of ousting Bill Cassidy. Cassidy has remained a primary target for the Trump administration since his 2021 vote to convict the former president during his second impeachment trial.
In his statement on Tuesday, Miguez clarified his new mission:
- Supporting Letlow: By stepping aside, Miguez clears the “MAGA lane” for Julia Letlow, who received an early and coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump in January.
- Securing the House: Miguez argued that “redirecting” his resources toward the House would better serve the President’s legislative agenda in Washington.
- The War Chest: Miguez enters the House race with a massive $3.6 million war chest, including $1.75 million raised in the final quarter of 2025 alone.
The 2026 Louisiana Primary Outlook
The move sets up a high-stakes Republican-on-Republican battle for the Senate, while potentially simplifying the GOP’s path in the 5th District.
| Candidate | Office Sought | Key Platform |
| Bill Cassidy (Inc.) | U.S. Senate | Traditional Conservatism / Bipartisan Infrastructure |
| Julia Letlow | U.S. Senate | Trump Endorsed / MAGA Alignment |
| Blake Miguez | U.S. House (LA-05) | America First / Legislative Accountability |
“I will always put America First and hold elected leaders accountable to the MAGA agenda – regardless of party.” — Blake Miguez, Feb 3, 2026.
Political Context: The Cassidy Target
Senator Bill Cassidy’s standing within the Louisiana GOP has been precarious since the 2021 impeachment vote. Recently, Cassidy further alienated the Trump wing of the party by publicly undermining the administration’s plans for RFK Jr.’s proposed vaccine safety committee, calling the move a “distraction from core health priorities.”
By consolidating behind Letlow for the Senate and Miguez for the House, the Trump administration appears to be attempting a clean sweep of the “old guard” Louisiana Republican leadership.