Republican drops primary challenge against incumbent Sen Cassidy after Trump-backed candidate enters race

Louisiana state Rep. Julie Emerson announced on Thursday that she was nixing her U.S. Senate bid in light of President Donald Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow entering the GOP primary.

"With Congresswoman Letlow's entrance into the race, the path to victory that was visible a couple of months ago has diminished. I support President Trump and respect his decision to endorse Julia Letlow to defeat Bill Cassidy. Because of this, I'm choosing to end my campaign now," Emerson said in a statement.