Louisiana Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow Dies Of COVID-19 Complications

the Louisiana Illuminator

By Julie O'Donoghue

December 29, 2020

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, died from complications related to COVID-19 Tuesday night, a family spokesman confirmed. The Republican was slated to be sworn in to Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat on Sunday, replacing retiring Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Letlow leaves behind his wife, Julia, and two young children.

Letlow was in the intensive care unit at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport at the time of his death, said spokesman Andrew Bausch. He had been admitted to a Monroe hospital near his hometown of Start, La., on Dec. 19 after testing positive for COVID-19.

He was then transferred to Ochsner-LSU Health on Dec. 22 when his condition worsened.

Letlow worked for years in Louisiana Republican politics—mostly in behind-the-scenes positions for Abraham and former Gov. Bobby Jindal. His most recent job was serving as chief of staff for Abraham, the congressman he was supposed to replace.

Letlow’s successful bid for the U.S. House was the first time he had run for elected office. He beat Louisiana state Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, in the congressional runoff election in December.

The district Letlow was to represent sprawls over 24 parishes and includes Alexandria, Monroe, Jackson and Amite.

Letlow was a guest on the Illuminator podcast in November. To listen to that episode, go here.

The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized.