Changes

| alma_mater=Ouachita Christian High School<br>

| alma_mater=Ouachita Christian High School<br>

[[Louisiana Tech University|Louisiana Tech University]]

[[Louisiana Tech University|Louisiana Tech University]]

|spouse=Julia Barnhill Leltow (married 2013)<br>

|spouse=[[Julia Letlow|Julia Barnhill Letlow]]<br> (married 2013-2020, his death)<br>

|children=Jeremiah John<br>Jacqueline Taylor<br>

|children=Jeremiah John<br>Jacqueline Taylor<br>

'''Parents''':<br>

'''Parents''':<br>

Johnny Lynn Letlow<br>

Johnny Lynn Letlow<br>

Dianne Taylor Letlow<br>

Kathryn Dianne Taylor Letlow<br>

|alma_mater=Ouachita Christian High School (Monroe)<br>

|alma_mater=Ouachita Christian High School (Monroe)<br>

[[Louisiana Tech University]]

[[Louisiana Tech University]]

While attending Ouachita Christian High School in Monroe, Letlow was on the [[tennis]] and debate teams. While attending Louisiana Tech, he also served on the collegiate debate team. He received a TOPS scholarship and worked part-time as a shoe salesman to help pay his educational expenses.

While attending Ouachita Christian High School in Monroe, Letlow was on the [[tennis]] and debate teams. While attending Louisiana Tech, he also served on the collegiate debate team. He received a TOPS scholarship and worked part-time as a shoe salesman to help pay his educational expenses.

Letlow also resided in Start, a small [[rural]] community in which he was reared. He attended both elementary and junior high at Start. He graduated in 1998 from Ouachita Christian High School in Monroe and in 2003 from [[Louisiana Tech University]] in [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]] with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. He was the son of Johnny Lynn Letlow and Katherine Dianne Taylor Letlow. He had two siblings, Paul J. Letlow  of Start, and Matt J. Letlow, of Rockwall, [[Texas]].  

Letlow also resided in Start, a small [[rural]] community in which he was reared. He attended both elementary and junior high at Start. He graduated in 1998 from Ouachita Christian High School in Monroe and in 2003 from [[Louisiana Tech University]] in [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]] with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. He was one of three sons of Johnny Lynn Letlow and the former Katheyn Dianne Taylor. He had two siblings, Paul Jason Letlow  of Start, and Matt J. Letlow, of Rockwall, [[Texas]].  

On April 27, 2013, he wed the former Julia Barnhill (born 1981). She graduated in 1999 a year after her husband from Ouachita Christian High School. She is also a graduate of the [[University of Louisiana at Monroe]] (2002), with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, a masters degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (2005) in Speech Communication, and a [[Ph.D.]] in Communications in 2011 from the [[University of South Florida]] in Tampa. Mrs. Letlow is the executive assistant to the president for external affairs at ULM.

On April 27, 2013, he wed the former [[Julia Letlow|Julia Janelle Barnhill Letlow]]. She graduated in 1999 a year after her husband from Ouachita Christian High School. She is also a graduate of the [[University of Louisiana at Monroe]] (2002), with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, a masters degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (2005) in Speech Communication, and a [[Ph.D.]] in Communications in 2011 from the [[University of South Florida]] in Tampa. Mrs. Letlow is the executive assistant to the president for external affairs at ULM.

There are two Letlow children, Jeremiah John (born 2019)and Jacqueline Taylor Letlow (born 2017. He was an Evangelical [[Presbyterian]].

There are two Letlow children, Jeremiah John (born 2019) and Jacqueline Taylor Letlow (born 2017). He was an Evangelical [[Presbyterian]].

==Political life==

==Political life==

Letlow has been a GOP activist in Louisiana dating back to his days at Louisiana Tech. In 2001, he was elected president of the Louisiana Tech [[College Republicans]]. In 2002, he was elected as chairman of the Louisiana Federation of College Republicans. During the summer of 2000, he served as a congressional intern for U.S. Representative John Cooksey, M.D., also of the 5th congressional district.  While working in [[Washington, D.C.]], Letlow attended the 2000 [[Republican National Convention]] in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], where he witnessed the first nomination of [[George W. Bush]]. In 2002, he worked on Cooksey's unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate, when the [[liberal]] [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] [[Mary Landrieu]] was re-elected.

Letlow has been a GOP activist in Louisiana dating back to his days at Louisiana Tech. In 2001, he was elected president of the Louisiana Tech [[College Republicans]]. In 2002, he was elected as chairman of the Louisiana Federation of College Republicans. During the summer of 2000, he served as a congressional intern and driver for U.S. Representative [[John Cooksey]], also of the 5th congressional district.  While working in [[Washington, D.C.]], Letlow attended the 2000 [[Republican National Convention]] in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], where he witnessed the first nomination of [[George W. Bush]]. In 2002, he worked on Cooksey's unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate, when the [[liberal]] [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] [[Mary Landrieu]] was re-elected.

After graduating from Louisiana Tech, he joined the 2003 gubernatorial campaign staff of Republican [[Bobby Jindal]]. Following Jindal’s unsuccessful bid against Democrat [[Kathleen Blanco]] in 2003, Letlow served as the political director for Jindal’s successful 2004 campaign for Louisiana’s 1st congressional district. In 2004, he was named district director for newly elected U.S. Representative Jindal. He attended the 2004 [[Republican National Convention]] in [[New York City]] and the 2012 conclave in Tampa, [[Florida]], as a volunteer. He was elected as a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention in [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]. He was again elected as a delegate to the 2020 convention but did not attend because the proceedings were virtual at the time of the [[coronavirus]] pandemic.

After graduating from Louisiana Tech, he joined the 2003 gubernatorial campaign staff of Republican [[Bobby Jindal]]. Following Jindal’s unsuccessful bid against Democrat [[Kathleen Blanco]] in 2003, Letlow served as the political director for Jindal’s successful 2004 campaign for Louisiana’s 1st congressional district. In 2004, he was named district director for newly elected U.S. Representative Jindal. He attended the 2004 [[Republican National Convention]] in [[New York City]] and the 2012 conclave in Tampa, [[Florida]], as a volunteer. He was elected as a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention in [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]. He was again elected as a delegate to the 2020 convention but did not attend because the proceedings were virtual at the time of the [[coronavirus]] pandemic.

On July 22, 2020, Letlow officially qualified for the seat. He vowed to "continue the great work done by Dr. Abraham, who I believe set the bar," Letlow said. "I'm the only candidate who has gotten results in Washington. I'm proud of what we've accomplished."<ref>https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/07/22/heres-who-qualified-louisianas-only-open-congressional-seat-wednesday/5487037002/</ref> Other candidates qualifying for the seat included Republicans Allen Guillory, Sr., of Opelousas and "Matt" Hasty of [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]]. Besides Christophe, three other Democrats also ran: Jesse P. Lagarde of Amite in Tangipahoa Parish, Martin Lemelle, Jr., of Ruston, and Phillip Snowden of Monroe. In August the campaign announced the release of its first advertising  for [[television]].<ref>https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/08/24/luke-letlows-congressional-campaign-first-go-up-tv-ads/3428624001/</ref> Letlow received the endorsements of the Republican executive committees in Washington, Tangipahoa, Grant, Lasalle, and Ouachita parishes. Committees.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/lukeletlowforcongress/videos/ouachita-rpec-endorsement/659672848015254/?__so__=permalink&__rv__=related_videos</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/lukeletlowforcongress/videos/3490505424304934/</ref><ref>https://thehayride.com/community/main-forum/the-first-pec-endorsement-in-the-5th-district-congressional-race-goes-to/</ref> A month before the primary, he was endorsed by ''The Baton Rouge Business Report.''<ref>https://www.businessreport.com/opinions/rolfe-mccollister-endorsements-steve-carter-mayor</ref> He gained the endorsements too of U.S. Reresentatives [[Garret Graves]] and [[Clay Higgins]].<ref>https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/10/12/louisiana-congressmen-clay-higgins-garret-graves-endorse-luke-letlow/5965854002/</ref> Letlow also carried the support of a bipartisan coalition of Louisiana [[sheriff]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/politics/2020/11/23/republican-luke-letlow-secures-sheriffs-endorsements-congressional-race/6393787002/|title=Republican Luke Letlow secures sheriffs' endorsement in 5th congressional district race|publisher=''The Monroe News-Star''|author=[[Greg Hilburn]]|date=November 23, 2020|accessdate=December 2, 2020}}</ref>

On July 22, 2020, Letlow officially qualified for the seat. He vowed to "continue the great work done by Dr. Abraham, who I believe set the bar," Letlow said. "I'm the only candidate who has gotten results in Washington. I'm proud of what we've accomplished."<ref>https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/07/22/heres-who-qualified-louisianas-only-open-congressional-seat-wednesday/5487037002/</ref> Other candidates qualifying for the seat included Republicans Allen Guillory, Sr., of Opelousas and "Matt" Hasty of [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]]. Besides Christophe, three other Democrats also ran: Jesse P. Lagarde of Amite in Tangipahoa Parish, Martin Lemelle, Jr., of Ruston, and Phillip Snowden of Monroe. In August the campaign announced the release of its first advertising  for [[television]].<ref>https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/08/24/luke-letlows-congressional-campaign-first-go-up-tv-ads/3428624001/</ref> Letlow received the endorsements of the Republican executive committees in Washington, Tangipahoa, Grant, Lasalle, and Ouachita parishes. Committees.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/lukeletlowforcongress/videos/ouachita-rpec-endorsement/659672848015254/?__so__=permalink&__rv__=related_videos</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/lukeletlowforcongress/videos/3490505424304934/</ref><ref>https://thehayride.com/community/main-forum/the-first-pec-endorsement-in-the-5th-district-congressional-race-goes-to/</ref> A month before the primary, he was endorsed by ''The Baton Rouge Business Report.''<ref>https://www.businessreport.com/opinions/rolfe-mccollister-endorsements-steve-carter-mayor</ref> He gained the endorsements too of U.S. Reresentatives [[Garret Graves]] and [[Clay Higgins]].<ref>https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/10/12/louisiana-congressmen-clay-higgins-garret-graves-endorse-luke-letlow/5965854002/</ref> Letlow also carried the support of a bipartisan coalition of Louisiana [[sheriff]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/politics/2020/11/23/republican-luke-letlow-secures-sheriffs-endorsements-congressional-race/6393787002/|title=Republican Luke Letlow secures sheriffs' endorsement in 5th congressional district race|publisher=''The Monroe News-Star''|author=[[Greg Hilburn]]|date=November 23, 2020|accessdate=December 2, 2020}}</ref>

In the runoff election held on December 5, 2020, Letlow defeated the second-placed primary rival, Lance Harris, 49,182 votes (62 percent) to 30,124 (38 percent. The overall runoff turnout of 79,306 votes was only 25.6 percent of the 309,556, who participated in the November 3 primary held in conjunction with the presidential election. Letlow won every parish in the district except for Rapides, Harris, of which Harris is a native.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, November 3 and December 5, 2020.</ref>

In the runoff election held on December 5, 2020, Letlow defeated the second-placed primary rival, Lance Harris, 49,182 votes (62 percent) to 30,124 (38 percent. The overall runoff turnout of 79,306 votes was only 25.6 percent of the 309,556, who participated in the November 3 primary held in conjunction with the presidential election. Letlow won every parish in the district except for Rapides, of which Harris is a native.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, November 3 and December 5, 2020.</ref>

==Death as congressman-elect==

==Death as congressman-elect==

Following Letlow's death, many [[liberal bigotry|bigoted leftists]] stormed social media outlets including [[Twitter]] to mock and falsely blame him for supposedly not taking the coronavirus seriously enough.<ref>[https://townhall.com/tipsheet/juliorosas/2020/12/30/vox-journalist-mocks-the-death-of-republican-congressmanelect-from-covid19-n2582296 Vox Reporter Backpedals His Mocking of Republican Rep-Elect Death from COVID After Twitter Beatdown]</ref> However, Letlow had frequently wore a mask in public and largely took precautions.<ref>https://twitter.com/ErinGaetz/status/1344149863748038656</ref>

Following Letlow's death, many [[liberal bigotry|bigoted leftists]] stormed social media outlets including [[Twitter]] to mock and falsely blame him for supposedly not taking the coronavirus seriously enough.<ref>[https://townhall.com/tipsheet/juliorosas/2020/12/30/vox-journalist-mocks-the-death-of-republican-congressmanelect-from-covid19-n2582296 Vox Reporter Backpedals His Mocking of Republican Rep-Elect Death from COVID After Twitter Beatdown]</ref> However, Letlow had frequently wore a mask in public and largely took precautions.<ref>https://twitter.com/ErinGaetz/status/1344149863748038656</ref>

Memorial services for Letlow were held on January 2, 2021, at the North Monroe Baptist Church, less than a day before he was to have been sworn into office. His mentor Ralph Abraham, whom Letlow was to have succeeded, said that Letlow had a deep love for his family, state and the 5th Congressional District. "He knew the heart and soul of the (5th Congressional District) and Louisiana. He cared about nothing but others," Abraham said during the service.<ref name=memorialservice>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2021/01/02/louisiana-congressman-elect-luke-letlow-remembered-devoted-family-man-coronavirus/4112376001/|title=Congressman-elect Luke Letlow remembered for devotion to family, public|publisher=''The Monroe News-Star''|date=January 2, 2021|author=Greg Hilburn|accessdate=January 3, 2021}}</ref>

Memorial services for Letlow were held on January 2, 2021, at the North Monroe Baptist Church, less than a day before he was to have been sworn into office. His mentor Ralph Abraham, whom Letlow was to have succeeded, said that Letlow had a deep love for his family, state and the 5th Congressional District. "He knew the heart and soul of the (5th Congressional District) and Louisiana. He cared about nothing but others," Abraham said during the service.<ref name=memorialservice>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2021/01/02/louisiana-congressman-elect-luke-letlow-remembered-devoted-family-man-coronavirus/4112376001/|title=Congressman-elect Luke Letlow remembered for devotion to family, public|publisher=''[[Monroe News Star]]''|date=January 2, 2021|author=Greg Hilburn|accessdate=January 3, 2021}}</ref>

Mrs. Letlow released this statement on her husband's passing:

Mrs. Letlow released this statement on her husband's passing:

{{quotebox|We are heartbroken to have lost Luke far too early, and with far too much promise, but we are immensely grateful for all that Luke achieved in a life defined by service to others and a steadfast commitment to making a real difference in this world. The incredible outpouring of support from across our community, state, and country is a testament to how many lives Luke impacted through his friendship, leadership and genuine goodness. Luke had a servant's heart, and that was evident in every conversation he had, with people of every walk of life. Our family is so thankful for the outpouring of support we have received, and will work every day to honor his memory and the legacy he leaves behind."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/12/31/luke-letlows-family-talks-louisiana-congressman-elect-covid-death/4101013001/|title=Luke Letlow's family talks about congressman-elect's COVID death: 'We are heartbroken'|publisher=''The Monroe News-Star''|date=December 31, 2020|accessdate=January 2, 2021|author=Greg Hilburn}}</ref>}}

{{quotebox|We are heartbroken to have lost Luke far too early, and with far too much promise, but we are immensely grateful for all that Luke achieved in a life defined by service to others and a steadfast commitment to making a real difference in this world. The incredible outpouring of support from across our community, state, and country is a testament to how many lives Luke impacted through his friendship, leadership and genuine goodness. Luke had a servant's heart, and that was evident in every conversation he had, with people of every walk of life. Our family is so thankful for the outpouring of support we have received, and will work every day to honor his memory and the legacy he leaves behind."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/12/31/luke-letlows-family-talks-louisiana-congressman-elect-covid-death/4101013001/|title=Luke Letlow's family talks about congressman-elect's COVID death: 'We are heartbroken'|publisher=''The Monroe News-Star''|date=December 31, 2020|accessdate=January 2, 2021|author=Greg Hilburn}}</ref>}}

Letlow's passing requires a [[special election]] to fill the seat on March 20, 2021. Candidates can qualify from January 20 to 22.<ref name=memorialservice/> Sandra "Candy" Christophe, the Alexandria Democrat who finished third on November 3, announced that she will declare her candidacy on January 9. Mrs. Letlow is also considering entering the race, as are Republican state Senator [[Stewart Cathey]] and state Representatives [[Michael Echols]], a Monroe Republican, and [[Chris Turner (Louisiana politician)|Chris Turner]], a [[Moderate Republican]] from Ruston. Defeated runoff candidate Lance Harris may also run again. Ralph Abraham said that it is unlikely that he will contest the seat from which he retired on January 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2021/01/04/wife-late-congressman-elect-luke-letlow-considers-running-his-seat/4124871001/|title=Wife of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow considers running for vacant seat|publisher=''The Shreveport Times''|date=January 4, 2020|author=Greg Hilburn|accessdate=January 5, 2021}}</ref>

Letlow's passing required a [[special election]] to fill the seat on March 20, 2021.<ref name=memorialservice/> Sandra "Candy" Christophe, the Alexandria Democrat who finished third on November 3, announced her second candidacy. Mrs. [[Julia Letlow]] also announced that she would enter the race to succeed her husband.<ref>Two references:

*Axelrod, Tal (January 14, 2021). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/534206-widow-of-louisiana-rep-elect-luke-letlow-to-run-for-late-husbands-seat Widow of Louisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow to run for his vacant seat]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 14, 2021.

|title=Julia Letlow, widow of U.S. Rep-elect Luke Letlow, to run for 5th congressional seat|publisher=''The Monroe News-Star''|date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> Political writer [[John Gizzi]] quoted a source in the 5th district who correctly predicted that Mrs. Letlow would be an easy winner of the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/luke-letlow-julie-letlow/2021/01/11/id/1005047/|title=Widow of Late Rep.-Elect Letlow Likely To Seek His Seat|author=[[John Gizzi]]|publisher=Newsmax.com|date=January 11, 2021|accessdate=January 14, 2021}}</ref>  Defeated runoff candidate Lance Harris did not file a second candidacy. Ralph Abraham said that it is unlikely that he will contest the seat from which he retired on January 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2021/01/04/wife-late-congressman-elect-luke-letlow-considers-running-his-seat/4124871001/|title=Wife of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow considers running for vacant seat|publisher=''The Shreveport Times''|date=January 4, 2021|author=Greg Hilburn|accessdate=January 5, 2021}}</ref>

 

https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2024/12/02/luke-letlow-died-of-covid-before-he-could-join-congress-and-will-be-honored-in-louisiana/76692330007/|title=President Biden signs bill to honor late Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow|publisher=''Monroe News Star''|author=Greg Hilburn|date=December 2, 2024}}</ref>

==External links==

==External links==