Lawmakers and senior officials are mourning the loss of elected deputy Luke Letlow (R-La.), Who died of complications from COVID-19 on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old Louisiana Republican was scheduled to succeed the retirement of Representative Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Whom he previously served as chief of staff.
Letlow’s colleagues and friends described him as a loving father to his two young children and husband to his wife, Julia, and as someone committed to serving his community.
“I had known him for about 20 years, we used to work together in the state of Louisiana and, of course, met him in the delegation as well. Luke, I’ve heard people say that and I know it’s an overused term, but Luke was just a nice guy. He’s very accessible and kind of, you know, very transparent in terms of his style, ”Rep. Garret Graves
Garret Neal GravesLouisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19, House Republicans who did not sign the Texas lawsuit, New interior order under conservation campaign that Trump campaigned on (R-La.) I told The Hill.
Graves said Letlow was passionate about having the opportunity to represent voters in rural areas whose voices he felt were often not heard.
“Luke really had a heart for these rural areas, he had a heart for the farmers and the farmers and was very excited to represent those he considered underrepresented across the country, sort of giving a voice to those who have no voice,” he said.
“He was very, very, very excited to represent rural America and to try to bring their perspective to the table.”
Brett Horton, House Minority Whip’s chief of staff Steve Scalise
Stephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseLouisiana Rep.-elected Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19 Trump destroys Republican Party leaders by allowing the override of the House veto about to override Trump’s veto for the first time MORE (R-La.), He also praised Letlow’s character and dedication to helping the needy.
“Luke and I grew up in the 5th Congressional District, he had a passion for this often overlooked part of the state, and more than anyone I have ever met in politics, a true servant’s heart,” he told The Hill.
“He was a friend of everyone he knew and his death deeply shaken our united delegation.”
Graves said the news of Letlow’s death was a shock. The two talked in recent days about Letlow’s coming to Congress.
“Even though he was in the hospital, he and I were sending text messages that we were talking on the phone, there was not a day that passed, where he seemed to be, he was under any kind of duress when he moved to Monroe Hospital in Shreveport, everything seemed to be improving and, in fact, only in the last few days do you know that we are talking and texting about taking an oath, ”he said.
Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R) used Twitter to honor his friend.
“Supriya and I are heartbroken to learn of @LukeLetlowis passing. Luke has been a good friend for so many years, and we are sad that he was taken away from us at such a young age. We had talked in recent days about his excitement at the opportunity to serve the people of the 5th congressional district and his love and devotion for Julia and her children, ”he tweeted on Tuesday night.
“I met Luke when he was still a college student, and I spent countless hours with him in his truck driving on the back roads of Louisiana. His passion for service has been a constant throughout his life. “
Letlow’s death prompted some Democrats to point to the need to practice social detachment and wear masks.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiWill Pelosi rescues the Republican Party in the electoral controversy 2020 was the year of pain, misery and indifference for the Republican Party. McConnell blocks voting on K checks, signals new package MORE (D-Calif.) He offered his condolences during a news conference on Wednesday, saying it could “happen to anyone – and it has happened to almost 350,000 Americans”.
“Many of these deaths could have been prevented,” she said. “We must make sure that we are scientific and determined to destroy the virus.”
But Letlow’s campaign president and friend Scott Franklin, told Business Insider that Letlow took precautions in the campaign during the pandemic.
“I know people are scouring social media to find pictures of him without a mask, but I’m telling you that he worked hard to do the best he could while reaching out to people,” said Franklin. “Despite the coronavirus, these people needed a hero. And in this district, to do that, you need to meet people. They need to look you in the eye and understand that they can trust you.”
“It wasn’t perfect, but I think he did the best he could.”
Letlow was first admitted to the St. Francis Medical Center due to coronavirus complications on December 19 before being transferred to the ICU Saúde Ochsner LSU on December 23rd. He suffered a heart attack after a virus-related procedure.
A special election is likely to take place in March to fill the vacancy, reports The News Star.