Louisiana Republican Treasurer John Fleming has officially announced he will run against incumbent Republican Senator Bill Cassidy in 2026, confirming what was first reported by USA Today Network in November.
Fleming, a physician and former congressman from Minden who was elected treasurer in 2023, plans to leverage his ties to newly elected President Donald Trump during the campaign and immediately leveraged Cassidy’s vote to oust Trump during his first term.
Fleming served in three appointments in Trump’s previous administration from 2017 through 2020, ending his stint in the White House as deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president.
“I cannot fully express the deep sense of pride I have having served President Trump in the West Wing of the White House as he literally fought for his political life against those who attacked and turned their backs on him,” said Fleming. in a statement. “But the opportunity to stand with him for the principles of America First is why I seek to serve the citizens of Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.”
Fleming, who continues to operate his medical practice and other business interests in Minden, said Cassidy “failed the people of Louisiana,” as he noted Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump in the impeachment trial.
Cassidy was convicted by the Republican Party of Louisiana after his guilty vote.
But Cassidy touted his record last month in an interview with USA Today Network, noting that he was one of the architects of the bipartisan Infrastructure Act and had passed his own bill banning surprise medical billing.
“I haven’t announced it yet, but I’m obviously working hard towards 2026,” Cassidy said at the time. “If they judge the candidates on how much they’ve done for our state, on the $10 billion-plus that’s come in to help fix Louisiana’s infrastructure… then I have a feeling I’ll be judged pretty well.
“And if they talk about making mental health resources available… I’ll be a pretty good judge. And if they talk about banning surprise medical billing… I’ll be a pretty good judge. I’m looking at it out to go for a run.” on my record.”
Other potential Republican challengers include Congressman Clay Higgins of Lafayette and State Senator Blake Miguez of Acadiana.
More: Senator Bill Cassidy is flexing the 2026 election muscles ahead of potential MAGA challengers
Greg Hilburn covers Louisiana state politics for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Treasurer John Fleming wants to dethrone fellow Republican Bill Cassidy
