Senator Bill Cassidy, a two-term Republican from Louisiana, lost his Senate primary on Saturday. Cassidy failed to secure enough votes to advance to a runoff election next month.
His defeat marks a decisive victory for former President Donald Trump. Trump had targeted Cassidy for voting to convict him during the 2021 impeachment trial.
Cassidy was one of only seven Republican senators who found Trump guilty. That vote became the central issue of the primary campaign.
Trump endorsed Cassidy’s primary opponent early in the race. The former president held rallies in Louisiana to rally support against the incumbent.
Cassidy’s loss highlights Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party. It demonstrates the political consequences for GOP members who cross him.
The winner of the primary is expected to easily win the general election in November. Louisiana’s Senate seat is considered safely Republican.
Cassidy had served in the Senate since 2015. He was known for his work on health care and energy policy.
