Clay Higgins touts Trump endorsement as 7 challengers aim to unseat 3-term congressman

Andrew Capps
Lafayette Daily Advertiser

U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-Lafayette) touted a months-old endorsement from former President Donald Trump Monday as he faces a slate of challengers in his bid for a fourth term this fall.

Higgins, the controversial representative for Southwest Louisiana whose "Cajun John Wayne" persona catapulted him to the seat in 2016, was endorsed by Trump in his 2018 reelection bid. He has been a strong ally of Trump's and amplified the former president's false claims that massive voter fraud cost him the 2020 election.

Trump announced his 2022 endorsement of Higgins on June 15. Almost two months later, Higgins issued a statement Monday saying he was honored.

Clay Higgins at Louisiana GOP rally in Lafayette for both Republican gubernatorial candidates, with special guests Donald Trump Jr.  Monday, Oct. 7, 2019.

"I am honored to receive President Trump's complete and total endorsement. Every time we speak, he is an uplifting, optimistic Patriot. He loves America and will always put the American People first," Higgins said.

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"America was stronger, safer, and more prosperous under his leadership. For six years, the President and I have worked together to serve We, the People, and I will continue that mission in Congress."

Higgins' spokesperson Andrew David said the campaign re-upped Trump's endorsement this week because after the initial announcement flew under the radar in June.

Trump's endorsement came weeks before qualifying ended for candidates in the Nov. 8 election. Higgins, who was unanimously endorsed by the Louisiana Republican Party, will face a slate of 7 challengers this fall, including another Republican in Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt.

Other candidates include Republicans Thomas "Lane" Payne Jr. and Jacob "Jake" Shaheen, Democrats Lessie Olivia Leblanc and Tia LeBrun, Libertarian Guy McLendon and Independent Gloria R. Wiggins.

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