This Republican voted to convict Trump. Now he's up for reelection. Can he survive?

Sen. Bill Cassidy poses for a portrait after a campaign event in Baton Rouge, La. on May 4, 2026. Annie Flanagan for NPR hide caption toggle caption Annie Flanagan for NPR BATON ROUGE, La. — Most of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict President Trump after the January 6th insurrection have retired. Not Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — he is running for reelection. Cassidy's bid for a third term will test Trump's grip on the party. The outcome may also show what voters want from their representatives in Washington in this political moment — and whether a Republican senator like Cassidy can survive in Congress. Cassidy is facing two primary challengers on Saturday, including one endorsed by Trump, pitting the veteran lawmaker who chairs the powerful Senate health committee against a millennial MAGA loyalist. For many Louisiana Republican voters, Cassidy's vote to convict Trump felt like a betrayal. Under the shade of a pop-up tailgate tent at the annual crawfish festival in Breaux Bridge, retired deputy sheriff Kevin Dupree says he would be fine with any of the Republican nominees – except Cassidy. Attendees watch a crawfish race at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival on May 2, 2026. Annie Flanagan for NPR hide caption toggle caption Annie Flanagan for NPR Kevin Dupree and Kelby Daigle, Chairman of St. Martin Parish Republican Party, pose for a portrait at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival on May 2, 2026. …