Congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies after Covid diagnosis

Phil Helsel

A U.S. Congressman-elect from Louisiana who was 41 years old has died after a battle with Covid-19, his spokesman announced Tuesday night.

Luke Letlow, a Republican, was elected as U.S. representative for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District in a December runoff.

Letlow spokesman Andrew Bautsch confirmed the congressman-elect’s death at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport on Letlow's Facebook page.

“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Bautsch said. “A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was among those who expressed condolences to Letlow's family.

Letlow announced on Dec. 18 that he tested positive for Covid-19, days later tweeted that he was being treated at a hospital, and on Wednesday his representative said he'd been transferred to another hospital where he was stable in the intensive care unit.

"I hope all of the people of Louisiana will join Donna and me in praying for Congressman-elect Letlow’s family, especially his wife Julia and their two children, his many friends and the people of the 5th Congressional District," Edwards said in a statement.

The governor has ordered flags flown at half-staff on the day of Letlow's funeral.

Letlow beat fellow Republican Lance Harris in a runoff election earlier this month, 62 to 38 percent, according to the secretary of state's website.

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