Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin has announced his withdrawal from the race to replace Congresswoman Julia Letlow in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Letlow, a Republican, is pursuing a U.S. Senate seat, challenging incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Last week, Trump threw his support behind state Senator Blake Miguez, a Republican from New Iberia, as the candidate to succeed Letlow in the 5th District. Miguez's endorsement by the former president has shifted the dynamics of the race. Qualifying for the race is this week.
In a statement, McMakin said he still has work to do work in his current role representing Louisiana's District 68 in the state House.
McMakin’s decision narrows the field for Letlow’s seat. With Trump’s backing, Miguez is now seen as a frontrunner in the race.
