Trump's Long Shadow Over Republican Party Leadership The defeat of Senator Bill Cassidy by Congresswoman Julia Letlow, a Trump backed challenger, marks the latest manifestation of Donald Trump's enduring influence over the Republican Party.
This is the second time this year that a sitting senator who voted to convict Trump has been challenged and defeated in their primary election.
Cassidy's ouster is significant because it underscores the pressure on Republicans to toe the line on issues dear to Trump, such as impeachment, immigration, and voting rights.