DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte announced Friday at James Grill in Denham Springs his endorsement of U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy's reelection campaign, describing the three-term senator as a proven leader who prioritizes results over politics.
In a statement, Delatte emphasized the importance of relationships and experience in delivering for Louisiana, particularly on issues affecting Livingston Parish, such as capital outlay funding and drainage projects.
"When I first took office, I learned real quick that relationships matter," Delatte said. "You can have all the determination in the world, but if you don't have the right connections, the trust and partnerships built over years, it's tough to get things done."
Cassidy, who has served as Louisiana's senior U.S. senator since 2015, is seeking his third term in office and faces a competitive Republican primary field. The endorsement from Delatte, as leader of one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing parishes, provides a boost to Cassidy's reelection effort as he works to consolidate support among local Republican officials.
Cassidy's challengers include Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, State Senator Blake Miguez, and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta.
In his endorsement, Delatte acknowledged he hasn't always agreed with Cassidy's decisions but said effective leadership requires respect and results rather than total agreement.
"Senator Cassidy has shown both," Delatte said. "He's worked with President Trump on legislation that strengthened our economy and protected Louisiana jobs. Their working relationship is solid, and that tells me he knows how to get things done even when the politics gets noisy."
Cassidy has faced criticism from some Republicans for his 2021 vote to convict then-President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial following the events of January 6. The Republican Party of Louisiana censured Cassidy for that vote, and his relationship with Trump has become a focal point in the primary race.
However, Cassidy has since worked to repair his standing with Trump and his supporters, including voting to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services despite expressing concerns about Kennedy's anti-vaccine views.
During Cassidy's brief comments, he informed the crowd he had been to the White House twice recently to meet with Trump — once to celebrate the LSU Tigers Baseball National Championship, as well as the 59-0 LSU-Shreveport Pilots; and then again to discuss legislative matters.
Delatte concluded his statement by quoting President Ronald Reagan: "There's no limit to what a man can do if he doesn't mind who gets the credit."
"Bill Cassidy has proven he's more interested in results than headlines," Delatte said. "That's why I'm proud to support him, because Louisiana needs leaders who roll up their sleeves and get things done."
"I'm not interested in fighting yesterday's battles," Delatte added. "I'm interested in what moves this parish forward."
FULL STATEMENT FROM PARISH PRESIDENT RANDY DELATTE:
You know, someone once told me politics is a lot like fixing a leaky roof — everyone agrees it needs to be done, but the minute you climb the ladder, someone's holding the flashlight and telling you you're doing it wrong.
When I first took office, I learned real quick that relationships matter. You can have all the determination in the world, but if you don't have the right connections, the trust and partnerships built over years. It's tough to get things done. Whether it's fighting for capital outlay dollars, pushing drainage projects, or getting Livingston Parish a fair shake at the state and federal level, relationships open the doors that hard work alone can not.
That's why I'm supporting Senator Bill Cassidy. He's spent years building those relationships that help Louisiana. Have I agreed with every decision he has made? No. But then again, I've been married long enough to know that total agreement isn't what makes a relationship work. Respect and results do.
Senator Cassidy has shown both. He's worked with President Trump on legislation that strengthened our economy and protected Louisiana jobs. Their working relationship is solid, and that tells me he knows how to get things done even when the politics gets noisy.
I'm not interested in fighting yesterday's battles. I'm interested in what moves this parish forward.
As President Reagan liked to say, "There's no limit to what a man can do if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." Bill Cassidy has proven he's more interested in results than headlines. That's why I'm proud to support him, because Louisiana needs leaders who roll up their sleeves and get things done.
