Higgins, a member of the Freedom Caucus, insisted he would be “virtually assured” the nomination based on polling but suggested Cassidy was likely to still lose his primary.

“There are several American patriots of distinguished accomplishment who will vie for the United States Senate seat currently held by Dr. Bill Cassidy, whose service to our nation within the Senate seems to have soon reached conclusion,” Higgins said.

Cassidy’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

The third-term senator’s biggest threat remains Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming, a former congressman and a founding Freedom Caucus member running to the right of Cassidy with hopes of securing Trump’s endorsement. Fleming has so far managed to coalesce much of the MAGA wing around his candidacy.

Also challenging Cassidy are Randall Arrington, who last year unsuccessfully primaried House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA); Xan John, a business owner and 2020 Cassidy challenger; and nurse Chris Holder.

Cassidy has drawn the ire of MAGA loyalists for his vote in 2021 to convict Trump over the U.S. Capitol attack and his concerns over the confirmation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Cassidy ultimately supported.

SENATE DEMOCRATS SEE HOPE FOR MIDTERMS WITH 2024 DOWNBALLOT RESULTS

Higgins cited his own roles on House committees, relationships with House Republican leaders and Trump, and a taxing transition to the Senate as reasons not to launch a campaign for the upper chamber.

“I would no doubt be forced to avert my focused attention from the battles I am currently engaged in, battles that require my very unique set of skills,” he said.