"The fractures are forming in the GOP campaign apparatus despite Thune helping secure early Trump endorsements of incumbents in races like Ohio and Florida - and party unity in battleground races like North Carolina and Michigan. Driving the news: Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) is officially challenging Cassidy in the safely red seat - with Trump's backing. "The crux of the campaign will not be about endorsements," Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday. "The crux of the campaign is, how do you make Louisiana and the United States a better place?""
"Between the lines: NRSC Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) made clear last year the Senate campaign arm will back Republican incumbents - no matter what. The NRSC has not disclosed where it is spending, but it has made clear it is focused on eight battleground states. Louisiana is not on that list, according to a source familiar. Thune campaigned for Cassidy just over the weekend, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) told reporters on Tuesday that he's supported the senator "from the beginning.""
A rift has opened within the GOP campaign apparatus as Rep. Julia Letlow, backed by Donald Trump, formally challenges Republican Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana. Party leaders including Thune and Whip Barrasso have publicly supported Cassidy and sought endorsements to preserve incumbents and maintain battleground unity. The NRSC says it will back incumbents and focuses spending on eight battleground states, excluding Louisiana. The Thune-linked Senate Leadership Fund will likely avoid spending in Louisiana to prioritize competitive general-election contests. Trump’s selective endorsements have sometimes overridden leadership preferences, contributing to intra-party tensions.
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