WASHINGTON, June 28 — Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has secured her party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate, winning Louisiana’s primary runoff and setting up a general election bid to replace Senator Bill Cassidy. The victory marks another milestone in a political career that began under circumstances of profound personal loss. Letlow first entered Congress in 2021 after the death of her husband, Luke Letlow, a Congressman-elect who died from complications of COVID-19 just days before he was due to be sworn into office.
Nearly six years later, she has also announced a new chapter in her personal life: an engagement to Baton Rouge lawyer and lobbyist Kevin Ainsworth.
How Did Luke Letlow Die?
Luke Letlow was elected to represent Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in November 2020 but never took the oath of office. According to CBS News, he contracted COVID-19 shortly before Christmas and was admitted to hospital after developing severe COVID pneumonia. Despite having no known underlying health conditions, his condition worsened rapidly.
Speaking to CBS News in 2021, Julia Letlow recalled the moment her husband realized he needed medical help. “I think it’s time to go to the hospital,” he told her after struggling to breathe.
She later revealed that doctors found roughly half of his lungs had been affected by COVID pneumonia. After several days in hospital, Luke’s condition deteriorated further and he was placed on a ventilator. He died on December 29, 2020, at the age of 41.
His death prompted tributes from political leaders across both parties and became one of the most high-profile COVID-related losses during the pandemic.
Why Did Julia Letlow Run for Congress?
Following her husband’s death, Julia Letlow said she had never intended to run for elected office herself.
