Bill Cassidy

William Morgan “Bill” Cassidy is an American physician and politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Louisiana since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Cassidy has a background in medicine and has been actively involved in healthcare policy throughout his political career.

Early Life and Education

Cassidy’s family relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during his infancy. He attended Jefferson Terrace and Westminster elementary schools and graduated from Tara High School, where he participated in basketball and football. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1979, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from LSU School of Medicine in 1983.

Personal Life and Family

During his medical residency, Cassidy met Dr. Laura Layden, a surgeon specializing in breast cancer. The couple married on September 29, 1989, and has three children.

Laura became the first female breast cancer surgeon in Louisiana and co-founded the Louisiana Key Academy, a public charter school for children with dyslexia, after discovering their daughter had the condition. The Cassidy family resides in Baton Rouge and attends The Chapel on the Campus, a nondenominational Christian church at LSU.

Detailed Bio Table

Medical Career

In 1990, Cassidy joined LSU Medical School, teaching medical students and residents at Earl K. Long Medical Center, a hospital for the uninsured. He co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic, providing free dental and health care to working families without insurance. Cassidy also initiated a program that vaccinated 36,000 children in the Baton Rouge area against Hepatitis B at no cost to schools or parents. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he led volunteers to convert an abandoned K-Mart building into an emergency health care facility for evacuees.

Political Career

Louisiana State Senate

Cassidy’s political journey began with his election to the Louisiana State Senate in 2006, representing the 16th district, which includes parts of Baton Rouge.

Initially a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party in 2001 as his views aligned more closely with Republican policies. During his tenure, he focused on health care and education issues.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2008, Cassidy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Louisiana’s 6th congressional district, defeating Democratic incumbent Don Cazayoux. Serving from 2009 to 2015, he was a vocal opponent of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) and advocated for a balanced budget amendment and greater transparency in congressional earmarks.

U.S. Senate

Cassidy challenged incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu in the 2014 election. After a runoff, he secured the seat, marking the first time in 138 years that both of Louisiana’s Senate seats were held by Republicans. He was re-elected in 2020. In the Senate, Cassidy has served on the Finance Committee; the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; and the Veterans Affairs Committee. In 2023, he became the Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, the first physician to hold this position since 1933.

Throughout his tenure, Cassidy has focused on lowering health care costs, securing coastal restoration projects, reforming mental health systems, and supporting energy workers. Notably, he was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021, leading to his censure by the Republican Party of Louisiana.

In early 2025, Cassidy faced a pivotal decision regarding the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance conflicted with Cassidy’s medical background and commitment to public health. Serving on the Senate Finance Committee, Cassidy’s vote was crucial; if he joined Democrats in opposition, the nomination could be halted. This decision was further complicated by political pressures, given Cassidy’s previous vote to convict former President Trump, which strained his relationship with some Republican constituents.

Balancing his medical expertise with legislative responsibilities, Cassidy continues to influence health care policy and public health initiatives, striving to improve the well-being of his constituents and the nation.

Recent News

As of February 4, 2025, Senator Bill Cassidy is at the center of a significant political decision regarding the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy’s well-documented anti-vaccine stance presents a conflict for Cassidy, who, as a physician, has consistently advocated for vaccinations and public health initiatives. Serving on the Senate Finance Committee, Cassidy’s vote is pivotal; with unanimous Democratic opposition, Kennedy requires full Republican support to advance his nomination. Cassidy’s previous vote to convict former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial has already strained his relationship with some Republican constituents, adding complexity to his current decision. Both supporters and opponents of Kennedy’s nomination are actively lobbying Cassidy, recognizing his crucial role in the outcome.

Social Media Accounts

Physical Appearance

Standing at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), Bill Cassidy has a slender build, with gray hair and blue eyes. His professional demeanor reflects his background as both a physician and a politician.

Net Worth as of 2024

As of 2024, Senator Cassidy’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. This wealth primarily stems from his medical practice and political career. Cassidy has been transparent about his finances, adhering to Senate ethics and disclosure requirements.

Throughout his career, Bill Cassidy has balanced his medical expertise with his legislative responsibilities, focusing on healthcare reform and public health initiatives. His decisions continue to influence both his political standing and the well-being of his constituents.

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