MONROE, La. — Louisiana Republican Rep. Julia Letlow is vying to unseat incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy in a closely watched Senate primary that is seen as a test of former President Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP in the state.

Letlow, 45, who won a special House election in 2021 to fill the seat left vacant by her late husband Luke Letlow after his death from Covid-19, received Trump’s endorsement in January. The former president’s backing positions her as a key figure in his effort to install a new generation of MAGA-aligned lawmakers loyal to his agenda. Cassidy, one of the state’s two Republican senators, became a Trump adversary after voting to convict him in his second impeachment related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

At a recent event, Letlow recounted Trump’s urging that she be “a fighter for Louisiana” in the Senate. However, she has mostly avoided aggressive attacks on Cassidy, despite his prominence and his extensive constituent services in the state, which have earned him a loyal base of support. Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins acknowledged Cassidy’s established reputation but noted voters remain undecided about Letlow, who is still carving out her own political identity.

Recent polls indicate Letlow holds an advantage heading into Saturday’s primary but is unlikely to secure an outright victory, potentially setting the stage for a runoff alongside former Rep. John Fleming, who has also polled strongly. The contest has seen a substantial influx of campaign spending, with Cassidy and his supportive political action committees reportedly outspending Letlow and her allies by more than two to one, focusing considerable resources on negative advertising. One of Cassidy’s ads highlighted Letlow’s past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, labeling her “liberal,” a charge Letlow disputes by stating her views have evolved.

Before entering politics, Letlow had an academic career that involved advocating for increased faculty diversity at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In a 2020 interview, she called for equity and inclusion measures, a position some observers now contrast with her current campaign messaging aimed at a conservative Republican primary electorate. Cassidy has questioned her consistency, suggesting she tailors her positions for political convenience.

Letlow’s life has been marked by personal tragedy. Her husband, Luke, died just days before he was to be sworn into Congress, and earlier, her brother passed away in a car accident. The experience of loss influenced her academic pursuit of communication, focusing on how families find meaning after bereavement. After Luke’s passing, Letlow transitioned to politics, winning a special election to succeed him in the House.

In Congress, Letlow has aligned closely with Trump’s priorities, including support for abolishing the Senate filibuster. She also sponsored a bill to collect oral histories related to Covid-19 that received bipartisan support, reflecting a more nuanced approach compared to some of her party colleagues.

As the primary approaches, Letlow projects a campaign centered on her faith, family, and ability to secure federal funding for northeast Louisiana, while largely steering clear of direct attacks on Cassidy or Fleming. Observers suggest how she navigates this dynamic race will reveal much about the evolving balance of power within Louisiana’s Republican Party and Trump’s capacity to shape its future.