A political action committee linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has committed $1 million to support Rep. Julia Letlow in her anticipated challenge against Sen. Bill Cassidy from Louisiana. Cassidy, a Republican senator and chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, played a crucial role in advancing Kennedy’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The announcement by MAHA PAC on the evening of October 22, 2023, signals a potentially contentious primary within the Republican party.
Letlow has yet to formally declare her candidacy for Cassidy’s seat; however, her endorsement by former President Donald Trump over the weekend has intensified the competition. Trump’s support suggests that the GOP primary will become increasingly heated, jeopardizing Cassidy’s prospects for re-election. In February 2021, Cassidy was one of six Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, a decision that has since strained relations between Cassidy and Trump’s supporters.
Tony Lyons, co-founder of MAHA PAC and a close associate of Kennedy, emphasized the need for a senator who aligns with Trump’s vision for health policy. “President Trump is committed to ending the chronic disease epidemic, and Louisianans deserve a Senator who will stand with him in that fight,” Lyons stated. He further described Letlow as a “tireless champion for Louisiana families,” encouraging her to heed Trump’s call to enter the race.
MAHA PAC has been active in promoting Kennedy’s health priorities and is led by Lyons along with Mark Gorton, who previously raised significant funds for Kennedy’s presidential campaign. The finance committee for MAHA PAC includes several longtime associates of Kennedy, highlighting the close ties between the political group and the controversial figure.
The relationship between Cassidy and Kennedy has deteriorated in recent months, particularly on vaccine policy. Cassidy, a physician and vocal advocate for vaccinations, criticized Kennedy for his changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. Kennedy’s administration has faced scrutiny for dismissing the independent advisory panel of the Centers for Disease Control and substituting its members with individuals who have expressed skepticism towards vaccines.
In September 2023, Kennedy’s newly appointed committee voted to relax recommendations for specific vaccines, which further fueled conflict with Cassidy. The senator had previously acknowledged Kennedy’s assurances to uphold CDC recommendations, but those promises have since unraveled, leading to increased tension between the two.
Cassidy’s campaign has not yet responded to inquiries regarding MAHA PAC’s support for Letlow. As the political landscape in Louisiana evolves, the implications of this challenge may reshape the state’s representation in the Senate.
