CBS News plans to have Republican Julia Letlow win the special election for the fifth district of Louisiana, taking over the prospective seat of her late husband, Luke Letlow, who died of COVID-19 complications days before he could be sworn in.
She will be the first Republican woman to represent Louisiana in Congress and increase the number of Republican women currently serving in the House to a record 31.
“This is an incredible moment and it’s really hard to put into words,” Letlow said in a statement Saturday night. “Born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband, Luke, it became my mission in his honor to carry the torch and serve the good people of Louisiana’s 5th District. I am humbled that you give me the honor of your vote and the privilege of serving you in Congress. A simple thank you does not cover the depth of my gratitude. “
Letlow was endorsed by both former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, as well as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and the whip Steve Scalise. The potential 2024 Republican candidate and former United Nations Ambassador, Nikki Haley, also endorsed her.
Her husband was on his way to succeed Representative Ralph Abraham for the large northeastern Louisiana seat after winning the GOP expiration in early December 2020. He previously worked as a campaign manager and chief of staff for Abraham. He died on December 29, 2020 at the age of 41.
In her campaign announcement, Letlow said she’m running to continue the mission that Luke began – to stand up for our Christian values, to fight for our rural farming communities and to deliver real results to move our state forward. to move. ‘
She indicated she would run in 2022 to retain the seat.