Lawmakers and senior staffers mourn the loss of elected Representative Luke Letlow (R-La.), Who died Tuesday of complications from COVID-19.
The 41-year-old Louisiana Republican would be the retiring Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Whom 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 a devoted person to serving his community.
“I’ve known him for about 20 years, we worked together in the state of Louisiana and of course knew him in the delegation. Luke, I’ve heard people say this and I know it’s an overused term, but, Luke was just a good guy. He’s very approachable and just a little bit, you know, very transparent about his style, ”Rep. Garret Graves
Garret Neal Graves Louisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19 House Republicans who failed to join Texas lawsuit New Interior order undermines conservation law Trump campaigned on, critics say (R-La.) Told The Hill.
Graves said Letlow was passionate about being able to represent rural voters whose voices he said were often unheard.
“Luke really had a heart for these rural areas, had a heart for the, for the farmers and was really excited to represent those who he said were under-represented across the country, giving a kind of voice to the voiceless,” he said.
“He just had very, very just energy to represent rural America and bring their perspective to the table.”
Brett Horton, House Minority Whip’s Chief of Staff Steve Scalise
Stephen (Steve) Joseph Scalise Louisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19 Trump rips GOP leaders for allowing veto House ready to override Trump veto for the first time (R-La.), Also praises Letlow’s character and dedication to helping the less fortunate.
“Luke and I both grew up in the 5th Congressional District, he had a passion for this often-overlooked part of the state, and more than anyone I’ve ever met in politics, a true servant heart,” said he to The Hill.
“He was a friend to everyone he met, and his passing shook our tight-knit delegation to the bone.”
Graves said the news of Letlow’s death came as a shock. The two had spent the past few days talking about Letlow coming to Congress.
“Even though he was in the hospital, he and I were texting that we were on the phone, not a day went by that he looked like he was, he was under some form of coercion and when he went to the Monroe Hospital in Shreveport, everything seemed to be looking up and in fact you know for the past few days that we’ve been talking and texting about swearing-in, ”he said.
Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R) took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend.
Supriya and I are heartbroken to hear @Funpasses. Luke has been a good friend for so many years and we are sad that he was taken from us at such a young age. We had been talking for the past few days about his excitement at being able to serve the people of the 5th Congressional District, and his love and dedication to Julia and their children, ”he tweeted Tuesday night.
“I first met Luke when he was a college student, and I spent countless hours with him in his truck driving the back roads of Louisiana. His passion for service has been a constant throughout his life. “
Letlow’s death has led some Democrats to point out the need to distance themselves socially and wear masks.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi: Will Pelosi Saves GOP Over Election Controversy 2020 Was The Year Of Pain, Misery And GOP Indifference McConnell Blocks Voting On K-Checks, New Package Signals MORE (D-Calif.) Expressed her condolences at a press conference on Wednesday, saying it “can happen to anyone – and it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans.”
“Many of those deaths could have been prevented,” she said. “We have to make sure we are scientific and determined to destroy the virus.”
But Letlow’s campaign chairman and friend Scott Franklin told Business Insider that during the pandemic, Letlow took precautions on the campaign trail.
“I know people scour social media to find photos where he doesn’t wear a mask, but I’m telling you he tried his best while still reaching people,” said Franklin. “Despite the corona virus, these people needed a hero. And in this neighborhood you have to meet people. They have to look you in the eye and understand that they can trust you.”
“It wasn’t perfect, but I think he did his best.”
Letlow was first admitted to St. Francis Medical Center on December 19 due to complications from the coronavirus is transferred to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU on December 23. He had a heart attack after a procedure related to the virus.
Special elections are likely to take place in March to fill the seat, The News Star reports.