Editorial by Wes Merriott

Politics is an emotional business.

Primary campaigns are often bruising affairs. Harsh advertisements are aired. Supporters take sides. Friends argue. Social media fills with accusations, frustration, and sometimes resentment. That is exactly what happened during Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary.

Now the voters have spoken.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow defeated State Treasurer John Fleming in the Republican runoff and will face Democrat Jamie Davis in November. Regardless of which Republican candidate you supported during the primary, Republicans across Louisiana now face a different question than they did just a few days ago.

The question is no longer, “Who is the better Republican?” but rather, “Who is more likely to advance conservative priorities in the United States Senate?”

For conservatives, the answer should be clear.

I have spent the past several twenty-four hours reading comments from disappointed Fleming supporters. Some have pledged to stay home. Others have gone even further, saying they intend to vote for Democrat Jamie Davis out of anger over the negative advertising that dominated the runoff.

Those reactions are understandable.

No one enjoys seeing fellow Republicans attack one another. Hard-fought primaries often leave lasting scars.

But allowing temporary frustration to dictate our vote in November would accomplish exactly the opposite of what conservatives have spent decades working toward.

Republicans and Democrats disagree on fundamental questions about the size and role of government, taxation, energy policy, immigration, judicial appointments, religious liberty, and the Second Amendment. Those differences matter far more than the disagreements Republicans had with one another during a primary campaign.

At the end of the day, Julia Letlow and John Fleming agreed on vastly more issues than either agreed with Jamie Davis.

That perspective should matter.

The United States Senate remains closely divided, meaning every Republican seat carries national significance. Even a single election can affect committee leadership, confirmations, legislative priorities, and whether conservative bills receive serious consideration.

Many Louisiana conservatives have also expressed strong support for election integrity legislation such as the SAVE America Act. Whether that legislation ultimately succeeds will depend on numerous factors, including Senate votes and chamber rules. However, electing another Republican senator would strengthen the party’s ability to advance that agenda and other conservative priorities.

This election is bigger than personalities, campaign consultants, and attack ads. It is even bigger than Julia Letlow herself.

The election is about deciding which party will represent Louisiana in the United States Senate during one of the most consequential political periods in recent memory.

Conservatives often speak about protecting constitutional liberties, defending secure elections, supporting law enforcement, promoting domestic energy production, reducing federal spending, strengthening the military, and appointing judges who interpret the Constitution as written. Those goals are unlikely to advance if Republicans divide themselves after the primary.

Perfect candidates do not exist.

Neither do perfect campaigns.

Our constitutional system depends on voters accepting election outcomes, rallying behind their nominee, and focusing on the larger mission. That is how political movements endure.

John Fleming deserves credit for running a spirited campaign and for years of public service. His supporters brought important issues to the forefront of the race. Their passion for conservative principles should not disappear simply because their preferred candidate fell short.

Instead, that energy should now be directed toward winning in November.

History shows that divided parties often lose elections they should win. Unified parties usually perform far better. Conservatives who believe in limited government should not allow lingering resentment from a primary to hand an advantage to the opposing party.

The campaign is over and the decision has been made.

Now comes the harder task: putting aside disappointment for the sake of the broader cause.

Republicans frequently remind one another that principles matter more than personalities. November provides an opportunity to prove that statement is more than just a campaign slogan.

Louisiana conservatives have every right to remember the primary.

But they should vote based on the future, not the past.

If Republicans truly believe that conservative governance offers the best path for Louisiana and the nation, then the logical next step is to unite behind their nominee and carry that message into November.

Wes Merriott is the editor of SOBO.live and longtime political observer in Northwest Louisiana.