The Political Insider

Tragic news came Tuesday when it was announced that Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow died of COVID-19.

On December 23rd, Letlow was transferred from St. Francis Medical Center to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU in Shreveport, Louisiana.

RELATED: Desperate’ Restaurant Owner Fed Up With COVID Restrictions Blocks Health Inspector With His Truck

Letlow Family Issues Statement

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

The Letlow family said in a statement, “The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time.”

“A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time,” the family noted.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards Offers Condolences

On December 18, Letlow announced he tested positive for coronavirus and began a self-quarantine at home. 

He was admitted to St. Francis on December 19 as symptoms persisted and was then transferred to Shreveport.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said of Letlow’s death, “COVID-19 has taken Congressman-elect Letlow from us far too soon.” 

“I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family,” Edwards said.

Edwards added, “I hope all of the people of Louisiana will join Donna and me in praying for Congressman-elect Letlow’s family, especially his wife Julia and their two children, his many friends and the people of the 5th Congressional District.”

“Louisiana has lost more than 7,300 people to COVID-19 since March, and each one of them leaves a tremendous hole in our state,” Edwards noted.

Louisiana’s Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a video shared on social media, “Laura and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Letlow family.”

He added, “Please keep them all in your prayers during this very difficult time. Luke will be missed dearly across Louisiana, and we all mourn his passing.”

RELATED: Trump’s Party: Over 70% Of Republican Voters Want Their Lawmakers To Be More Like Trump

Letlow Was Just 41-Years-Old

In a December 5th runoff election, Letlow won Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat with 62% of the vote against fellow Republican state Rep. Lance Harris.

Letlow would have succeeded his former boss Congressman Ralph Abraham, who did not seek reelection.

Letlow was Abraham’s former chief of staff.

Luke Letlow was 41-years-old.