News of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s passing from complications related to COVID-19 has rocked the 5th District with residents in mourning.
The 41-year-old Letlow leaves behind a young family: his wife Dr. Julia Letlow and their two children Jaqueline and Jeremiah.
“Just, just tragic, just real tragic and it brings home the seriousness of COVID and this virus that is sweeping the world,” said ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockely.
Accolades and condolences have rolled in from across the political spectrum this morning including from Speaker Pelosi, Governor Edwards, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, and others.
Letlow entered politics working for then-Congressman Jindal in 2005 before following him to the Governor’s mansion until 2010. After a stint in the private sector, he returned to politics in 2014 to run Congressman Ralph Abraham’s election campaign, eventually becoming his Chief of Staff before winning the 5th District election in December after Abraham retired.
“He was someone who from his earliest professional days was just so committed to public service and committed to improving the state of Louisiana,” said Stockley.
In his college years, Letlow served as both the Louisiana Tech and Louisiana Federation of College Republicans chairman.
Stockley said Letlow had a good understanding of the issues plaguing the 5th and seemed ready to hit the ground running in the next Congress.
“We are a very rural and very poor region that needs a lot of assistance,” said Stockley. “He certainly seemed to recognize that and he seemed poised to do something about that.”
Governor Edwards has confirmed that a special election to fill the seat will be held sometime in March.
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