In the ever-entertaining circus of Louisiana politics, State Treasurer John Fleming has decided to throw his hat into the ring for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. Because, apparently, what the GOP really needs right now is a good old-fashioned family feud.
Fleming, a former congressman and Trump administration official, is taking aim at Cassidy for his ‘betrayal’—specifically, Cassidy’s vote to convict former President Donald Trump during the impeachment trial following the January 6th Capitol riot. In a news release, Fleming didn’t mince words, accusing Cassidy of failing the people of Louisiana and abandoning Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda. Because nothing says ‘party unity’ like a public flogging over a vote of conscience.
Cassidy, who hasn’t officially announced his re-election bid for 2026 but has indicated he’s running, is now in the awkward position of defending his seat from a member of his own party. His spokesperson, Joe Ramallo, noted that Cassidy has been busy meeting with Trump’s appointees and pushing for policy changes, subtly reminding everyone that he’s still playing for Team Red. But in today’s political climate, past loyalty is about as valuable as a Confederate dollar.
Fleming’s political résumé is as lengthy as a Louisiana summer day. After serving four terms in the U.S. House, he took on roles in the Trump administration, including Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. He was elected State Treasurer in 2023, a position he assumed in January 2024. Clearly, the man has a penchant for job hopping.
This brewing battle highlights the deepening rifts within the Republican Party, especially in a state where Trump remains as popular as gumbo at a Mardi Gras parade. Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump didn’t just ruffle feathers; it plucked the whole chicken, leading to censure by Louisiana Republicans and a barrage of social media vitriol. Yet, Cassidy remains steadfast, perhaps believing that history will vindicate him—or at least that voters have short memories.
Fleming’s campaign is banking on those memories being as sharp as a crawfish’s claw. By positioning himself as the true torchbearer of Trump’s legacy, he’s tapping into the MAGA base’s appetite for retribution. It’s a strategy that could pay off in a state where loyalty to Trump often trumps all else.
However, this internecine squabble could have broader implications. A contentious primary battle risks dividing the party, potentially opening the door for a Democratic upset. It’s a scenario that should give Republicans pause, but in the current political climate, self-reflection is about as common as bipartisanship.
As the 2026 election approaches, Louisiana voters can look forward to a spectacle replete with mudslinging, loyalty tests, and enough political drama to rival a Tennessee Williams play. Whether this infighting will lead to a stronger party or hand an advantage to the opposition remains to be seen.
