A political action committee affiliated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged $1 million to support a potential challenger to Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. This development comes as Cassidy, who chairs a vital Senate committee, cast a crucial vote to confirm Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The committee, MAHA PAC, announced its financial backing for Rep. Julia Letlow on Sunday, coinciding with Letlow receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
While Letlow has not officially declared her candidacy for Cassidy’s Senate seat, Trump’s endorsement significantly raises the stakes for a competitive Republican primary. Cassidy’s position could be jeopardized, especially given the dynamics of the current political landscape. Cassidy made headlines as one of six Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial in February 2021.
Tony Lyons, co-founder of MAHA PAC and a close associate of Kennedy, emphasized that “President Trump is committed to ending the chronic disease epidemic, and Louisianans deserve a Senator who will stand with him in that fight.” He further stated, “Congresswoman Letlow has proven herself a tireless champion for Louisiana families. We strongly encourage her to answer President Trump’s call and enter this race.”
The financial support from MAHA PAC aims to bolster Letlow’s anticipated campaign, reflecting a strategic effort to align with Kennedy’s agenda within the health sector. Lyons and fellow co-founder Mark Gorton previously raised millions for a pro-Kennedy super PAC, showcasing their commitment to Kennedy’s priorities. Their finance committee comprises several longstanding associates of Kennedy, suggesting a well-coordinated approach to influencing the Senate race.
The relationship between Cassidy and Kennedy has soured in recent months. Cassidy, a physician and vocal advocate for vaccines, has criticized Kennedy’s moves to alter the childhood vaccine schedule and remove the previous head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a notable shift, Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s independent vaccine advisory panel and appointed new members who had previously expressed skepticism about vaccines. These new appointees voted to weaken recommendations for specific vaccines, raising concerns among public health advocates.
Despite these tensions, Cassidy supported Kennedy’s nomination for HHS Secretary, acknowledging Kennedy’s promises to uphold the CDC’s recommendations. However, with Kennedy’s recent actions diverging from those commitments, the rift between the two has widened. Cassidy’s campaign did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding MAHA PAC’s endorsement of Letlow.
As the political landscape evolves in Louisiana, Cassidy must navigate increasing pressure from both his party and the implications of Kennedy’s influence. With the endorsement from Trump and substantial financial backing from MAHA PAC, Letlow may pose a significant challenge in the upcoming race, leaving Cassidy’s re-election prospects uncertain.
