WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Letlow Enters Race But Conservatives Aren't Buying It

Baton Rouge, LA - After months of hype and speculation, Congressmen Julia Letlow's entry into Louisiana's 2026 U.S. Senate race has landed with a thud, drawing skepticism from political observers and highlighting the growing momentum behind Senator Bill Cassidy's re-election campaign.

Meanwhile, Senator Cassidy continues to enter the next phase of the race as the clear Republican frontrunner with strong statewide momentum, broad support, and the resources to win. Public reports show Cassidy and allies with a combined $26 million war chest, and Cassidy's campaign reported $11 million cash on hand at the close of Q4, the strongest position of any Republican in the race.

Here's what they are saying about Julia Letlow's underwhelming campaign announcement:

The Hayride: Nathan's opinion of Letlow is that she's a RINO, and he comes about that opinion based on the fact that her scorecard numbers particularly in the 2023-24 congressional term, were pretty terrible.

The Daily Best: She filmed two campaign commercials - one for a re-election campaign to the House, and one for a potential Senate race - but had all but given up on her Senate dreams, sources told the Times.

Nola.com: "I'm guessing inly a third of Louisiana knows who she is. She has to spend money to get known in Louisiana and to make the case why she should be elected. [Senator Cassidy's] sitting with lots and lots of money. A lot of it can be used to criticize his opponents." - Bernie Pinsonat, a veteran pollster and political consultant.

The Louisiana Illuminator: Letlow will have to make up a sizable gap in fundraising, as Cassidy's campaign says it has more than $26 million at its disposal. He also has a slew of endorsements from sheriffs and parish presidents along with the financial backing of Louisiana's major GOP donors.

Burgess Everett on X: Barrasso tells us he's sticking with Cassidy "I've been supportive of Senator Cassidy from the beginning... We're going to do everything we can to build the majority for Republicans."

The Hayride: Is Letlow's entry a game-changer, in the sense that it knocks the other challengers out of the race? I don't see any reason to think so.

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