Republican Julia Letlow easily won a special election for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District on Saturday after her husband Luke Letlow’s death in December.
Luke Letlow, a Republican, was elected in a special election in December, but died weeks later due to complications from the coronavirus before he could take office.
Julia Letlow won 11 other candidates for the US House seat.
“This is an incredible time and it is really difficult to put into words,” Letlow said in a statement after his victory was announced. “What was born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband, Luke, became my mission in his honor: carrying the torch and serving the good people of the 5th District of Louisiana.”
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Julia Letlow, widow of elected Republican deputy Luke Letlow, speaks to members of the press in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, January 21, 2021. (Associated Press)
Letlow is the first Republican Congresswoman from Louisiana.
Former President Trump endorsed Julia Letlow – who defended agricultural issues and conservative values similar to her husband’s campaign – earlier this month and reiterated his support on Saturday.
“Julia Letlow is excellent and so needed to help save our Second Amendment, on the border, and for our military and veterinarians,” said Trump. “Louisiana, get out and vote today – she will never disappoint! Julia has my total and total endorsement.”
It was also endorsed by the state GOP and raised more money than all of its competitors combined. It was the first candidacy for a position elected by the administrator of higher education who lives in the small town of Start in the parish of Richland.
Luke Letlow is seen in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 22, 2020. Letlow won a seat in the U.S. House last year, but died of COVID-19 before he could take office. (Associated Press)
Luke Letlow died suddenly on December 29, 2020, at 41 years of complications from COVID-19. He was due to take an oath on January 3.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, congratulated Julia Letlow on what he said must be a proud but bittersweet day.
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“She continued to exemplify strength, determination and tenacity after a terrible tragedy. I know that those same characteristics that have helped her survive in recent months will make her an excellent Louisiana defender in Washington, DC,” said the Democratic governor said in a statement.
Letlow won 65% of the vote with Democrat Sandra “Candy” Christophe receiving about 27% of the vote. Her husband won by a similar margin in December.
The late Luke Letlow is seen with Julia Letlow and her children in an undated photo.
Letlow announced his candidacy in January, a move that alienated other high-profile Republicans who expressed interest in the chair.
She raised more than $ 680,000 for the race, according to data submitted to the Federal Electoral Commission. Its closest fundraising competitor, Christophe, raised $ 75,000. Christophe is a social worker from Alexandria who also ran unsuccessfully against Luke Letlow.
The 5th district covers all or part of 24 parishes, including the cities of Alexandria and Monroe.
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In Louisiana, all candidates, regardless of party, compete with each other in the primaries. If no candidate reaches 50% of the vote, a second round election will be held between the top two.
Together with his wife, Letlow left two children.
The race for the deep blue of the 2nd District, also held on Saturday, will go to a second round in April to replace Democrat Cedric Richmond, who left Congress to become a White House adviser to President Biden.
Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter face off on April 24.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.