Julia Letlow replaces husband Luke Letlow, who died of COVID-19, in US Congress

Julia Letlow, who rallied from the Republican side and contested in the elections for the fifth district of Louisiana, was successfully elected for her place in the US House of Representatives. Julia Letlow became the successor to her husband, Luke Letlow, who succumbed to COVID-19 complications last year. 

Julia Letlow won from a district known to be a Republican stronghold in Louisiana and is set to be sworn in as the Representative, replacing her husband, who died on December 29, just a few days short of his date of taking the oath, at the age of 41, according to reports published by the Huffington Post. 

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Julia Letlow, who is a fresher in the political sphere of the US and previously worked in the University of Louisiana’s administrative department, announced her candidacy for her late husband’s position just a few days after his demise. She received the support of Steve Scalise, a prominent Louisiana legislator and Kevin McCarthy, the minority leader in the House of Representatives.

Julia Letlow, in a brief statement, called her special election victory an “incredible moment,” saying it was “born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband”, reported Huffington Post. 

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Luke Letlow, who was reportedly the first US lawmaker to succumb to COVID-19, was a known supporter and active contributor for the Republican Party, strongly supported former US President Donald Trump and also previously defended his meritless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 elections.