The wife of late Louisiana Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow is considering running for his vacant seat. Julia Letlow is weighing her decision after community and business leaders reached out to her about contending for her husband's 5th Congressional District seat, the Donaldsonville Chief reports.
The congressman-elect died December 29 from COVID-19 complications at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport days before he was to be sworn into office. He was 41 years old and had no underlying health conditions that put him at higher risk. He is survived by his wife, Julia, and their two children Jeremiah, 3, and Jacqueline, 1.
"Julia is currently spending time with family and will take time in the coming days to reflect, pray and come to a decision on running for her husband's congressional seat," a family spokesman told USA Today Network.
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a special election will be held March 20 to fill the seat left by Letlow as well as the 2nd District seat being vacated by Rep. Cedric Richmond, who is leaving his position to join President-Elect Joe Biden's administration as a senior level advisor.
Qualifying for the special election will be held January 20-22. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote during the March election, a runoff will be held April 24.
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