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Who was Luke Letlow? Louisiana Congressman-elect dies at 41 after being hospitalized with Covid-19

On December 19, 2020, Letlow tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to Monroe Hospital, Lousiana, later, he was transferred to the Shreveport facility and placed in intensive care

Louisiana’s newest Republican member of the US House, Luke Letlow, died on Tuesday night, December 29, from complications related to Covid-19 only days before being sworn into office. He was 41 years old.

Letlow spokesman Andrew Bautsch confirmed the Congressman-elect's death at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport. "The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time," Bautsch said in a statement. "A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time."

On December 19, 2020, Letlow tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to Monroe Hospital, Lousiana. He was later transferred to the Shreveport facility and placed in intensive care. The 41-year-old Congressman was elected in a December runoff and was set to take office in January. He is the first member or member-elect to die from Covid-19, though dozens of lawmakers have tested positive for Covid-19 over the past year. He is survived by his wife Julia Barnhill Letlow and two children. 

Born on December 6, 1979, Luke Joshua Letlow started working for Rep Bobby Jindal during Jindal's tenure in the House of Representatives as his congressional district director from 2005 to 2008 in Louisiana. Later, he started working as director of government and community affairs for QEP Resources, an energy company based in Denver. In 2014, he returned to Louisiana and served as campaign manager for Ralph Abraham during his election for Louisiana's 5th congressional district. Letlow served as Abraham's chief of staff during his three-term tenure. On March 9, 2020, he announced his candidacy and defeated State Representative Lance Harris in a runoff election on December 5, 2020.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi paid him tribute as well: "Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth-generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and dedicated his life to public service. As the House grieves Congressman-elect Letlow’s passing, our sorrow is compounded by the grief of so many other families who have also suffered lives cut short by this terrible virus. May it be a comfort to Luke’s wife Julia and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”

Rep Kevin McCarthy wrote on Twitter, "Our hearts break tonight as we process the news of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s passing. I spoke with his wife, Julia. Judy and I are praying for her and their two young children during this terrible time." Activist Charlotte Clymer wrote, "This was 11 days ago. Rep-elect Luke Letlow, just 41, passed away this evening from complications due to COVID. 11 days. Take this virus seriously."

Rep Jody Hice said, "Absolutely heartbreaking. My wife Dee Dee and I ask for millions of Americans to join us in prayers for this dear family." One internet user remembered him saying, "He took the economy over his health and well-being and being there to raise his kids and enjoy every moment of it. This is sad my heart goes out to his family."

One said, "Luke Letlow cared enough protect others, and we can be sure he saved lives. This will be part of his legacy. Unfortunately, to be a GOP candidate he had to associate with those who didn’t care enough to protect him. This is the legacy of covidiots and all who disinform them."