Some Louisiana elections will look a lot different this year as closed party primaries begin — reshaping contests like Rep. Julia Letlow's new Trump-backed challenge to incumbent Bill Cassidy's Senate seat.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Thursday defended several of his Senate GOP colleagues who are staring down potentially tricky reelection fights after President Trump indicated that he will not support them this year.

Louisiana’s shift from open to closed primaries will limit who can vote in party elections and could influence outcomes in major races. State leaders are