A political group linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made headlines by pledging $1 million to support the anticipated Senate campaign of Rep. Julia Letlow, a Republican from Louisiana. This announcement, made by MAHA PAC, comes at a time when incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, who played a critical role in confirming Kennedy as Health and Human Services Secretary, faces potential challenges to his re-election.
Letlow, who has not officially declared her candidacy, recently received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, signaling a contentious primary battle within the Republican Party. Cassidy has been in hot water with some party members due to his vote to convict Trump during the former president’s second impeachment trial in 2021. Trump’s endorsement of Letlow underlines the rift, urging her to take on Cassidy, whom Trump supporters see as less aligned with their values.
Tony Lyons, co-founder of MAHA PAC and a close ally of Kennedy, emphasized the need for a senator who stands with Trump in addressing what he describes as a chronic disease epidemic affecting Louisiana residents. He praised Letlow as a steadfast advocate for Louisiana families and encouraged her to heed Trump’s call to enter the race.
MAHA PAC has been financially backing Kennedy’s health policy priorities at HHS and comprises individuals with strong ties to Kennedy, including Lyons and Mark Gorton, who previously raised significant funds for Kennedy’s presidential bid. Lyons is also involved with MAHA Action, a non-profit that collaborates with Kennedy and organizes health advocacy events.
Cassidy’s relationship with Kennedy has deteriorated as Cassidy, a physician and proponent of vaccinations, has publicly criticized Kennedy’s controversial changes to the childhood immunization schedule, notably after Kennedy dismissed members of the CDC’s advisory panel in favor of individuals holding skeptical views on vaccines. Cassidy remarked that despite his concerns, Kennedy had assured him of maintaining established vaccine recommendations.
Despite the growing challenges from Letlow’s potential candidacy and the financial support she is receiving, Cassidy remains defiant. In a response to Trump’s endorsement of Letlow, he stated he is committed to running for re-election, asserting his role as a “principled conservative” dedicated to serving the people of Louisiana, and expressed confidence in his ability to win against any challenger.
The struggle within the GOP over the increasingly polarized stances on vaccine policy and party loyalty signals that the race for Cassidy’s Senate seat will be intensely competitive, drawing significant attention in the upcoming election cycle.