“Julia Letlow made history Saturday as the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana, replacing her late husband who died from complications related to COVID-19,” ABC News reported.
“Letlow, a 40-year-old university administrator who wrote a doctoral dissertation on grief, easily won against 11 other contenders in the race for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat,” the report continued. “She is the third woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana and the only woman among the state’s current congressional delegation.”
“This is an incredible moment, and it is truly hard to put into words,” Letlow said in a statement after her victory. “What was born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband, Luke, has become my mission in his honor to carry the torch and serve the good people of Louisiana’s 5th District.”
Donald Trump had released his endorsement in mid-March for the ‘America First’ political candidate Julia Letlow to run for Congress in Louisiana.
“Julia Letlow, a wonderful and talented person who is the widow of U.S. Representative-elect Luke Letlow, is running for Congress in Louisiana-5 at the urging of so many people who know her so very well,” Trump’s statement read.
“She is Pro-Life and strong on Crime, the Border, loves our Military, our Vets, and will always protect our cherished Second Amendment,” he added.
“Julia, who is so outstanding, has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump continued. “The Great State of Louisiana will be thrilled!”
The candidate, Dr. Julia Letlow, responded with thanks on Twitter, along with the president’s ‘virtual tweet’ statement.
It’s truly an honor to receive President Trump’s endorsement and I look forward to joining in the fight to save our country by putting America first! pic.twitter.com/maezK3nNA7
— Julia B Letlow, Ph.D (@jbletlow) March 11, 2021
“It’s truly an honor to receive President Trump’s endorsement and I look forward to joining in the fight to save our country by putting America first!” Letlow replied.
“Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who won a runoff earlier this month to represent Louisiana’s northeastern 5th District, died Tuesday from complications of COVID-19,” NPR reported in late December.
Luke Letlow was set to be sworn in on January 3rd.
“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Andrew Bautsch, Luke Letlow’s spokesman, said in a statement. “A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”
Trump’s backing of Julia Letlow had given her family a chance to carry on Luke’s legacy and to bring hope to Louisianans seeking new leadership. Due in large part to Donald Trump’s endorsement, she can now do just that.