CBS News projects that Republican Julia Letlow will win the special election for Louisiana’s 5th district, assuming the presidency of her late husband, Luke Letlow, who died of complications from COVID-19 days before he could take office.
She will be the first Republican woman to represent Louisiana in Congress and will increase the record number of Republican women currently serving in the home.
“This is an incredible time and it is really difficult to put into words,” Letlow said in a statement late on Saturday. “What was born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband, Luke, has become my mission in his honor of carrying the torch and serving the good people of the 5th District of Louisiana. I am very proud that you have entrusted me with the honor of your vote and the privilege of serving you in Congress. A simple thank you does not fully summarize the depth of my gratitude. “
Letlow was endorsed by former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, as well as minority leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy and Whip Steve Scalise. The potential Republican candidate for 2024 and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley also endorsed her.
Her husband was on his way to succeed Representative Ralph Abraham to the big chair in northeastern Louisiana after he won the Republican Party’s second round in early December 2020. He had previously served as Abraham’s campaign manager and chief of staff. . He died on December 29, 2020 at the age of 41.
In his campaign ad, Letlow said he was “running to continue the mission Luke started – to defend our Christian values, to fight for our rural farming communities and deliver real results to move our state forward.”
She had signaled that she would run to keep the chair in 2022.