(The Center Square) − U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy officially launched his 2026 re-election campaign Monday at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, surrounded by local leaders and supporters, declaring his intent to confront Louisiana’s challenges and “make our state and our country even greater.”

“Louisiana and our country face serious challenges,” Cassidy said. “I’m running for reelection to work with the people of Louisiana and my fellow Americans to not just face these challenges, but to make our state and our country even greater.”

The announcement kicks off a high-profile race already drawing a crowded field of Republican challengers — all attempting to capitalize on lingering anger within the party over Cassidy’s 2021 vote to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Cassidy enters the race with a formidable financial advantage: His campaign raised more than $2.1 million last quarter and reported $9 million cash on hand — the largest “war chest” a Louisiana Senate candidate has ever held at this stage of a race, according to Cassidy’s campaign.

Despite the backlash from some conservatives, Cassidy has emphasized his alignment with Trump-era priorities, pointing to multiple White House appearances this year and Trump’s praise of his legislation, including the HALT Fentanyl Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Cassidy’s campaign has also released a slate of endorsements from local leaders, including West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, and State Sen. Patrick Connick, among others.

Still, the race is heating up.

Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta became the latest to join the GOP primary field on Friday, casting himself as a populist fighter who has “stood up to mega corporations” and is now ready to take that battle to Washington.

“We must protect our southern border, invest in our military strength, and stop Green New Deal whims,” Skrmetta said in his announcement. He also touted his role leading Louisiana’s delegation at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he pledged the state’s delegates to Trump.

Other Republicans vying for the seat include State Treasurer John Fleming, State Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and LSU Health Shreveport official Sammy Wyatt.

Each challenger has taken aim at at Cassidy by casting the 2026 primary as a referendum on loyalty to the former president and his “America First” agenda.

“Phony politicians like Bill Cassidy can’t shoot straight. But I can,” Miguez said in his campaign launch, calling Cassidy a “RINO” — Republican in Name Only — and saying his impeachment vote disqualifies him from representing Louisiana’s conservative values.

Fleming echoed that message.

“Those who turned their backs on [Trump] and America First were not committed to his fight to make America great again,” Fleming said. Fleming previously served in three roles under the Trump administration and co-founded the House Freedom Caucus during his time in Congress.

Cassidy, a former physician first elected in 2014, has touted his record of delivering federal dollars to Louisiana. According to Roll Call, he secured $1.3 billion in federal funding for the state in fiscal 2024 — more than any other Louisiana congressional member, despite not serving on the Appropriations Committee.

“Senator Cassidy has been one of the most effective members of the U.S. Senate at bringing federal resources home to Louisiana,” his campaign said.