La. Senate candidate Miguez rips Cassidy as 'phony' who voted to convict Trump during impeachment

Blake Miguez, a Louisiana GOP lawmaker seeking to replace Sen. Bill Cassidy in his state’s 2026 Republican primary, pounded him with the senator’s own words when joining the race Tuesday.

“I voted to convict President Trump,” Mr. Cassidy says in a clip, referring to his vote following President Trump’s 2021 impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House, that opens the Miguez campaign ad.

The state senator goes on to say, “I’m Blake Miguez, and I’m running for the U.S. Senate because Bill Cassidy sucks.”

From there, Mr. Miguez, a world champion sharpshooter, tosses several pastel-colored cans in the air marked “Marxism,” “Food Dyes,” “Taxes” and “Crime” and blasts several of them in midair with his handgun.

“Phony politicians like Bill Cassidy can’t shoot straight, but I can. Ultra processed foods are slowly poisoning our children.” Blam! “Cartels and gangs have invaded our country with violent crimes and drugs.” Blam! “Far-left Marxists are attacking and destroying American culture.” Blam! Blam! Blam!

From there, the ad speeds along like a trailer to an action film showing Mr. Miguez, in a full suit, shooting targets at the firing range while talking in a voice-over.

“President Trump is already saving America, but he needs our help. President Trump needs a Senate to support him full-time. No more part-time election season, Republicans,” he says.

“We’re done with D.C. phonies. Down here, loyalty matters. We don’t flinch, and we sure don’t forget. I grew up in a working-class family. We worked our way up. Like so many Louisianans, I fought through hurricanes, hard times and government incompetence.

“Politicians didn’t pick us back up; faith, family and hard work did. Government’s been broken. Trump is fixing it. Do you want a senator you know will have Trump’s back? A straight shooter who doesn’t flinch when it’s time to fight? I’m your guy. We’re done being fooled by weak Republicans.”

The ad closes as it opens, with the video clip of Mr. Cassidy saying he voted to convict Mr. Trump after the House impeached him.

Mr. Miguez picks up a semi-automatic long rifle and points it at the firing range target.

“Bill Cassidy had his shot. He missed. I won’t. I’m Blake Miguez, and I approve this message, because it’s time to pull the trigger on real change.”

Mr. Miguez, a member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, served in the state House as its majority leader before being elected to his current post.

He’s running on a Trump America First Agenda and plans to continue to point out reasons Mr. Cassidy is against Mr. Trump and his plans for the country.

“Bill Cassidy voted to impeach President Trump. If Bill Cassidy and the Democrats had their way, President Trump wouldn’t have been eligible to win in 2024. Now he’s campaigning like a Trump ally. Louisiana voters won’t be deceived again,” Mr. Miguez said in a statement.

A Cassidy campaign spokesperson brushed off the ad.

“Anyone can join this race, but it won’t change the outcome —Senator Cassidy will win. He’s a proven conservative fighting alongside President Trump to secure our southern border, unleash American energy, and put America First. Senator Cassidy is fighting to protect our values and delivering real results for Louisiana,” press secretary Ashley Bosch told The Washington Times.

Mr. Miguez, the sixth Republican to challenge Mr. Cassidy in the state’s first closed-party primary election in decades, will also face former Rep. John Fleming in this race.

The Louisiana state senator still must climb fundraising hills on which he’s behind his two major opponents.

Several lesser-known candidates are also running in the primary. They include Sammy Wyatt, Randall Arrington, Chris Holder and Xan John.