Clay Higgins withdraws from challenging Bill Cassidy in GOP primary
- Clay Higgins announced he would not run against Bill Cassidy in the 2026 Republican primary.
- Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming is among several Republicans considering a challenge to Cassidy.
- The political dynamics and primary races reflect ongoing divisions within the Republican party as they approach the midterm elections.
In Louisiana, Republican Congressman Clay Higgins chose not to run against incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy in the upcoming 2026 primary elections. Higgins, known for his alignment with the MAGA movement and a member of the Freedom Caucus, identified his current role in the House as crucial for advancing the America First agenda. Although polls suggested he could secure the nomination, Higgins acknowledged the abundance of other candidates emerging in the race against Cassidy. These contenders include Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming, who positions himself further right and has garnered support from the MAGA base. Cassidys support for Trump's pro-America agenda and recent policy moves, such as legislation to dismantle the Department of Education, underscore his efforts to secure the trust of Republican voters who remain skeptical after his impeachment trial vote against Trump. Moreover, he has faced scrutiny from MAGA loyalists for supporting the confirmation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Meanwhile, in Texas, Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are engaged in their challenges regarding primary threats ahead of the same elections. Cornyn remains unfazed by the potential challenge from Paxton, who has previously criticized Cornyn's loyalty to Trump. Despite Higgins not running, speculation about the primary landscape continues, highlighting tensions and potential shifts within the Republican party heading into the midterm elections.