Trump-backed bid in Louisiana; Rep Julia Letlow enters Senate race after Cassidy loss. LA GOP alum, U.S. rep since 2021.
The Republican effort to redraw congressional districts has intensified, with Trump backing challengers in Indiana, Louisiana and Kentucky as part of a broader strategy to reshape the party and defend his influence ahead of midterms.
House Republican leaders have pulled a scheduled vote on a Democratic war-powers resolution to compel President Trump to seek congressional authorization for the Iran campaign after defections and multiple absences made it clear they lacked the votes to block the measure. The Senate has recently advanced a similar resolution as some Republicans have joined Democrats.
President Trump has been informally polling aides and guests about whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should lead the Republican ticket in 2028 and has repeatedly mused that a Vance–Rubio ticket would be a "dream team." Both officials have been taking higher-profile roles: Vance is expanding his foreign policy and Midwest campaigning, while Rubio is engaging in diplomacy and public briefings.
Sen. Bill Cassidy is in a three-way Republican primary in Louisiana, facing John Fleming and Julia Letlow after Trump endorsed Letlow. The race could go to a June 27 runoff, with Cassidy seeking a path back after voting to convict Trump during his second impeachment. The seat is expected to stay Republican regardless of the runoff outcome.
Trump has backed Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th District, defeating Rep. Thomas Massie in a high-spending primary that has tested Trump’s influence over dissenting Republicans amid debates over Iran policy and broader party loyalty. Other Tuesday contests in Georgia and Pennsylvania are shaping the midterm landscape.