Lawmakers and senior staff members mourn the loss of election member Luke Letlow (R-La.), Who died Tuesday of complications from COVID-19.
The 41-year-old Republican from Louisiana would take on retired representative Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Who he previously served as chief of staff.
Letlow’s colleagues and friends described him as a loving father to his two young children and husband to his wife, Julia, and as someone committed to serving his community.
“I knew him for about 20 years, we used to work together in the state of Louisiana and of course he also knew him in the delegation. Luke, I’ve heard people say that and I know it’s an overused term, but, Luke “was just a good man. He is very approachable and very transparent in his style,” he said. Garret Graves
Garret Neal Graves, Luke Letlow, delegate, in Louisiana dies at COVID-19 Republicans of the House who did not file the Texas lawsuit. The new domestic order undermines the conservation bill on which Trump has campaigned. (R-La.) Told The Hill.
Graves said Letlow is passionate about the opportunity to represent voters in rural areas whose voices he says are not heard.
“Luke really had a heart for these rural areas, had a heart for the farmers, and was very excited to represent those he considered under-represented throughout the country, to give the voiceless a voice. , “he said.
“He was really, really, just worried about representing rural America and bringing their perspective to the table.”
Brett Horton, Chief of Staff of House Minority Whip Steve Scalise
Stephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseLouisiana election Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19 Trump tears up GOP leaders because they have allowed veto domination House is ready to dominate Trump veto for the first time MORE (R-La.), Also praised the character and dedication of Letlow for helping inferiors.
‘Luke and I both grew up in the 5th District of Congress. “He had a passion for often overlooking a part of the state, and more than anyone I’ve ever met in politics, a true servant’s heart,” he told The Hill.
“He was a friend to everyone he met, and his passing shocked our close delegation to the core.”
Graves said the news of Letlow’s death came as a shock. The two have been talking in recent days about Letlow coming to Congress.
‘Although he was in the hospital, he and I texted that we were talking on the phone, there was not a day that went by but he was under any form of coercion and when he went to the Monroe- hospital moved to Shreveport, everything seemed to be looking up. “You really only know the last few days that we’re talking and texting about the swearing-in,” he said.
Former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend.
‘Supriya and I are sad to learn from @LukeLetlows passing. Luke has been a good friend for so many years, and we are sad that he was taken away from us at such a young age. “We have been talking in recent days about his excitement about the opportunity to serve the people of the 5th Congress District, and his love and dedication to Julia and their children,” he tweeted on Tuesday night.
‘I first met Luke when he was still a college student, and drove countless hours with him in his truck on the back roads of Louisiana. His passion for service was constant throughout his life. ”
Letlow’s death led some Democrats to point out that they should distance themselves socially and wear masks.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi Will Pelosi save the GOP over the controversy of the 2020 election was the year of pain, misery and indifference of the GOP McConnell blocks the vote on K-checks, new package indicates MORE (D-California.) Expressing her condolences at a news conference on Wednesday, saying “it can happen to anyone – and it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans.”
“Many of the deaths could have been avoided,” she said. “We need to make sure we are scientific and determined to destroy the virus.”
But the chairman, and friend Scott Franklin of Letlow, told Business Insider that during the pandemic, Letlow took precautions on the campaign.
“I know people sift through social media to find pictures of him not wearing a mask, but I tell you, he made an effort to do the best he could while still reaching out to the people,” said Franklin. “Despite coronavirus, these people needed a hero. And to do that, you have to meet people. They have to look you in the eye and understand that they can trust you.”
“It was not perfect, but I think he did the best he could.”
Letlow was only previously in the St. Francis Medical Center admitted due to coronavirus complications is transferred to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU on December 23rd. He suffered a heart attack after a procedure related to the virus.
A special election is likely to take place in March to fill the seat, reports The News Star.