Republican Julia Letlo won a special election for Louisiana’s 5th congressional district on Saturday after the death of her husband, Luke Letlo, in December.
Republican Luke Letlo was elected in a special race in December, but died weeks later due to complications from the coronavirus before he took power.
Julia Letlow defeated 11 other candidates for the U.S. House seat.
“This is an incredible moment, and it’s really hard to put into words,” Letlow said in a statement after announcing his victory. “Born in the horrific tragedy of losing my husband Luke, it has become my mission in his honor to carry and serve the torch of the good people of Louisiana’s 5th District.”
Trump bulls down in Julia Luciana’s house race
Republican U.S. Rip. Julia Letlo, widow of the elect Luke Letlo, speaks to members of the press on January 21, 2021 at Baton Rouge. (Associated Press)
Letlowe is Louisiana’s first Republican congresswoman.
Former President Trump backed Julia Letlo – who earlier this month – ran on the same agricultural issues and Rs serv fixed values as her husband’s campaign, and reiterated her support on Saturday.
“Julia Letlo is outstanding and therefore needed to help save our second reform on the border and for our military and veterinarian,” Trump said. “Louisiana, get out and vote today – she will never be disappointed! Julia has my full and full support.”
She was also backed by the state’s GOP and all her competitors raised more money than combined. It was the first bid for an office fee elected by a higher education administrator living in Start, a small town in Richland Islands.
Luke Letlow is seen in Baton Rouge, July 22, 2020. Letloe visited the U.S. last year. House won the seat, but Kovid-19 died before he could take office. (Associated Press)
Luke Letlow died suddenly on December 29, 2020 at the age of 41 from complications of Covid-19. He was to be sworn in on January 3.
House Republican leader Capin McCarthy, R-California, congratulated Letlow on his victory, saying he delivered a message to unite Louisiana voters and observe the predictions by winning this special election by a clear majority – a significant achievement in one area. There are 12 candidates.
“As Julia succeeds her late husband and our friend, Luke, we look forward to welcoming her to Congress, where her expertise in higher education will help us deliver solutions for America.”
Governor of Louisiana. John Bell Edwards, a Democrat, also praised what she said should be a proud but bitter day.
Luck L Et Lo, -1-year-old K-Congressman-election, death with covid-1W
“She continues to set an example of strength, determination and dedication in the wake of a horrific tragedy. I know these same traits she has had over the last few months will make her an excellent lawyer for Louisiana in Washington DC.” Said in a statement.
Letlo got 65% of the vote, with Democrat Sandra “Candy” Christoph getting about 27%. Her husband won by the same margin in December.
The late Luke Letlo is seen in an undated photo with Julia Letlo and their children.
Letlow announced his candidacy in January, a move that sidelined other high-profile Republicans who expressed interest in the seat.
She collected more than 80,680,000 for the race, according to data recorded with the Federal Election Commission. His closest competitor, Christophe, brought in 75,000. Christoph is a social worker from Alexandria who also failed against Luke Letlo.
The 5th District covers all or part of the 24 counties, including the cities of Alexandria and Monroe.
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In Louisiana, all candidates compete against each other in the primary regardless of party. If a candidate is not at the top with 50% of the vote, a runout election is held between the top two recipients.
Letolo also left two children with his wife.
The race for the Deep Blue 2G district, also held on Saturday, will run in April to replace Democrat Cedric Richmond, who left Congress to become President Biden’s White House adviser.
Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter will face off on April 24.
The report is contributed by Marissa Schultz of Fox News and the Associated Press.
