Lawmakers and senior employees mourn the loss of elected representative Luke Letlow (R-La.), Who died Tuesday of complications from COVID-19.
The 41-year-old Louisiana Republican had planned to successfully remove Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Whom he had previously served as chief of staff.
Letlow’s classmates and friends described him as a loving father to his two young children and a husband to his wife, Julia, and as someone who was committed to serving his community.
“I’ve known him for about twenty years, we worked together in the state of Louisiana and of course we also knew him in the delegation. Luke, I’ve heard people say that and I know it’s a term too used, but “Luke was just a good guy. He’s very approachable and he’s kind of, transparent, very transparent about his style,” he says. Garret Graves
Garret Neal Graves: Louisiana elected representative Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19 House Republicans who did not sign the Texas lawsuit. The new interior order undermines the conservation bill Trump campaigned on. (R-La.) He told The Hill.
Graves said Letlow was passionate about having the opportunity to represent the components of rural areas whose voices he felt were often unheard of.
“Luke really had a heart for these rural areas, he had a heart for farmers and he was really happy to represent those he felt were underrepresented across the country, giving a voice to the voiceless,” he said.
“He was really, really, very energetic in representing rural America and trying to bring his perspective to the table.”
Brett Horton, Chief of Staff of House Minority Whip Steve Scalise
Stephen (Steve) Joseph Scalise, Louisiana’s elected representative Luke Letlow, dies of COVID-19 Trump fires Republican Party leaders for vetoing House ready to undo Trump’s veto for first time MORE (R-La.), Also praised Letlow’s character and dedication to helping the less-served.
“Luke and I grew up in the fifth district of Congress, I had a passion for this part of the state that was often overlooked, and more than anyone I’ve ever met in politics, a true server heart,” he told The Hill.
“He was a friend of everyone he met and his passing has shaken our united delegation to the bottom.”
Graves said the news of Letlow’s death was a shock. The two had spoken in the last days of Letlow’s coming to Congress.
“Even though he has been in the hospital, he and I had sent a text message that we had been talking on the phone, not a day went by where he seemed to be, he was under any kind of coercion and when he moved to Monroe Hospital in Shreveport seemed to be looking up, and in fact, in the last two days, you know we’re talking and texting to swear, ”he said.
Former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend.
“Supriya and I feel heartbroken @LukeLetlowit’s happening. Luke has been a good friend for so many years, and it saddens us that they took him so young. In recent days we had talked about his enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve the people of the fifth district of Congress and their love and devotion for Julia and her children, “he tweeted on Tuesday evening.
“I met Luke when he was still a college student and spent countless hours with him in his truck driving the roads of Louisiana. His passion for service has been a constant throughout his life. “
Letlow’s death has led some Democrats to point to the need to practice social distancing and wear masks.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi: Pelosi will rescue the Republican Party in the face of electoral controversy 2020 was the year of pain, misery and indifference of the Republican Party McConnell blocks voting on K checks, indicates a new package MORE (D-California) offered its condolences during a press conference on Wednesday, saying this could “happen to anyone – and it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans.”
“Many of these deaths could have been avoided,” he said. “We have to make sure we are scientists and determined to crush the virus.”
But Letlow campaign president and friend Scott Franklin told Business Insider that Letlow took precautions during the pandemic.
“I know people are going through social media to find photos of him not wearing a mask, but I tell you, he made an effort to do the best he could despite reaching out to people,” Franklin said. . “Despite the coronavirus, these people needed a hero. And in this district, to do that, you have to meet people. They have to look you in the eye and understand that they can trust you.”
“He wasn’t perfect, but I think he did the best he could.”
Letlow was first admitted to St. John’s Medical Center. Francis due to coronavirus complications on December 19 before being transferred to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU on Dec. 23, he suffered a heart attack following a virus-related procedure.
A special election is likely to take place in March to take the place, according to The News Star.