Hospitalizations have also reached a pandemic high of more than 124,000. Luke Letlow, a representative-elect from Louisiana, died on Tuesday of COVID-19 complications. A large number of those in attendance, the majority elderly, do appear to be wearing masks. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, state Senate President Page Cortez and former Senate President John Alario had all recovered. I had gone to Ruston to cover a meet-and-greet the night before with Harris at the Courtyard Marriott. Letlow announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus on December 18. One person, sharing the Dec. 2 Facebook photos, observed, Letlow held unmasked, indoor events in the middle of a pandemic. 'America is defeating COVID-19,' he wrote in an April 7 tweet, 'and our nation will come out stronger because of it. Letlowannounced he had tested positive for the coronavirus on December 18. Not my usual subject but I just wanted to set the record straight about this young man. Letlow was scheduled to take office on Sunday. Letlow, 41, was from rural Start, east of Monroe, but he had campaigned repeatedly in Tangipahoa Parish, in the far southern reaches of the district. Rep.-elect Luke Letlow's coronavirus death this week has been met with shock and grief from fellow lawmakers, offering another stark example of the lethality of a pandemic that has killed more . The mission of the Media Research Center is to document and combat the falsehoods and censorship of John Bel Edwards is expected to call a special election to fill the now-vacant congressional seat. #LukeLetlow Sign up for our MRCTV Daily newsletter to receive the latest news. Drs. A disease he did not take seriously; never wore a mask, and set a poor example for the two children he has now left behind. 'Supriya and I are heartbroken to learn of @LukeLetlow's passing. Letlow also credited President Trump early on in the pandemic for showing 'tremendous leadershipand a remarkable ability to get things done quickly during this national emergency. #lagov. Archived. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I asked him what it had been like campaigning during the pandemic. Luke Letlow, who was elected on December 5th for U.S. House Louisiana District 5 election, was being treated at Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport after announcing on December 18 that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Heleaves behind a wife and two small children. According to the Writers Guild of Republican Representative George Santos has announced his far-off re-election campaign for the seat he managed to win based on an avalanche of lies. Julia and I cast our votes this morning at Start Elementary. Now, that wonderful team is endangering their own lives trying to save yours because you wouldn't take precautions. He apparently suffered a cardiac event this evening, and efforts to resuscitate him failed, Dr. G.E. In one image, posted November 3, Letlow is seen speaking to the media surrounded by supporters holding placards. I wonder if someone in this photo gave it to you. Indeed, there is a photo montage from Letlows Twitter account on Dec. 1 that shows him masked in three of four photosbut not the fourth. "[13], Letlow lived in Start, Louisiana, with his wife, Julia, and their two young children. Congressman Elect Luke Letlow died today at the age of 41 from complications due to the COVID virus. We had talked in recent days about his excitement about the opportunity to serve the people of the 5thCongressional district, and his love and devotion for Julia and their kids. Email Tyler Bridges attbridges@theadvocate.com. [10] Letlow won the December 5 runoff election with 62% of the vote. Click below to consent to the use of the cookie technology provided by vi (video intelligence AG) to personalize content and advertising. You have permission to edit this article. Reporter's notebook: Luke Letlow, killed by the coronavirus, though he was a cautious campaigner. His selfish constituents killed him. Mobs of liberals took to social media Wednesday to mock the tragic death of 41-year-old Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who passed away Tuesday night after a week-long battle with COVID. Had a great day traveling through St. Landry Parish talking to voters and elected officials about the opportunities we have. For more info please access vi's website. https://t.co/kXrO5rye1u. He said he wanted to go to Washington to defend Second Amendment gun rights, to protect our values and to vote the pro-life position 100% of the time. has died of COVID-19. Hes lucky if the only death he causes is his own. Those attending were spaced apart. Luke Letlow didn't wear a mask to the polls and didn't wear a mask at his victory party. But now he has passed. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Friends of Letlow have spoken out in shock over his death, remembering him as a champion of rural America who was 'destined for great things'. I arrived before Letlow to the skeet club which proudly calls itself the most beautiful gun club in America and which meets in a rustic clubhouse in the woods outside of Amite. Billy Nungesser, Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson and U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond. . COVID-19. Letlow is pictured with President Trump, who also contracted COVID-19 earlier this year. '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. Oh well. '[W]e extend great sympathy to his family. One user received more than 3,700 likes for her post calling Letlow insensitive and deadly for having hosted an in-person campaign event earlier this month. Scan this QR code to download the app now. 'I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family. Letlow is survived by his wife, Julie Barnhill Letlow, and two young children, his spokesperson Andrew Bautsch said in a statement. Harris had been attacking Letlow as a political insider who had done nothing more than claim paychecks paid by taxpayers. Just two years into Jindal's first term as governor Letlow left the team abruptly after sensing that Jindal's focus was shifting to national politics and a possible presidential bid. Were now at a place if we do not open our economy were in real danger., Our economy is vital to future of our state and our country. I understand how important it is to create jobs and opportunities for our state. Based in Austin, he is also a lecturer in the Writing Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. 'This could have happened to anyone and it has to nearly 350,000 Americans,' she added. Does the COVID vaccine make your breasts bigger. 'What I found most interesting about Luke was the fact he really cared about people,' Smith told the network. Hes lucky if the only death he causes is his own., Letlow held unmasked, indoor events in the middle of a pandemic. After state Rep. Reggie Bagala, R-Cut Off, had died from the coronavirus in April, I had gotten used to reporting that politicians in Louisiana had fallen ill without any lasting effects. A disease he did not take seriously; never wore a mask, and set a poor example for the two children he has now left behind. Get up to 20% off. [11][12] The district is Louisiana's largest by area, covering most of 24 parishes, and includes Alexandria and Monroe, the population hubs, and Opelousas in Acadiana and Bogalusa in the Florida Parishes. Close. During his campaign, Letlow had advocated for reopening businesses and letting owners and customers decide what risks to take for themselves, pointing out the economic devastation caused by endlessgovernment shutdowns. They include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), California Gov. How many of these people have to die for GOP Karens to finally get the fucking message ?? Letlow tried to turn the accusations into an asset, saying that his experience with Jindal and Abraham had given him the background to be an effective congressman for what he described as the second-poorest congressional district in the country. Tags: luke letlow, luke letlow, luke letlow, congressman elect, lukes death, luke letlows death. John Kennedy, Steve Scalise, Clay Higgins and Mike Johnson will vote to overturn Joe Biden's victory; here's the latest, GOP leaders in Louisiana with Trump even as other Republicans split with him after the Capitol riot, Julia Letlow, widow of Luke Letlow, to run for husband's 5th Congressional District seat, Julia Letlow, picking up torch from her late husband, is favored to win congressional race. Dying to own the libs pic.twitter.com/g6c3Ywdx9B. It was an electric atmosphere.'. Do not sell or share my personal information. Published: 16:55 EDT, 30 December 2020 | Updated: 22:26 EDT, 30 December 2020, Republican Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, has died just eleven days after announcing he had coronavirus. He is pictured here at the Republican National Convention in 2000, Letlow secured the seat with 62 percent of the vote and would have been Rep. Ralph Abraham's successor, left, who didn't seek reelection after honoring a pledge to serve a limit of three terms. 'A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time. Letlow was able to connect Jindal with Louisiana's rural voters. Edwards said that flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Letlow's funeral. Letlow, who was elected in a December runoff, was set to take office Sunday as Louisianas youngest ever congressman. A worship service giving glory to God for Luke Letlow's life will be held at North Monroe Baptist Church on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at 2:00 pm. [13] In October, he had encouraged Louisiana officials to relax pandemic restrictions, warning, "We're now at a place if we do not open our economy, were in real danger. Luke Joshua Letlow (December 6, 1979 December 29, 2020)[2][3] was an American businessman and politician from Louisiana. At the skeet club, Letlow skipped dinner he had already eaten at a Chick-fil-A he told me, but he grabbed a piece of pie, and said it was his weakness. Khan covers politics; The 2016 Elections, and various entertainment subjects. Letlow worked for Bobby Jindal during Jindal's tenure in the United States House of Representatives for Louisiana's 1st congressional district as his congressional district director from 2005 to 2008, and during Jindal's first term as governor of Louisiana as director of intergovernmental affairs from 2008 to 2010. The 41-year-old Louisiana Republican was set to be sworn in next week. His work has appeared most recently in The Striker, where he serves as managing editor, MLSSoccer.com, Next City, and Texas Highways. I noticed that none of the 15 people there for their monthly Wednesday night gathering was wearing a mask. "The world was his oyster," Louis Gurvich, the chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party told me Tuesday night. "Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, passed away this evening at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport due to complications from COVID-19," his campaign manager, Andrew Bautsch, said. pic.twitter.com/UiF7uWWgtM, Luke no mask Letlow. 116. The 41-year-old contracted the virus on Dec. 18 and was later moved to an intensive care unit in Shreveport, Louisiana, for treatment as his condition worsened. Edwards offered condolences via Twitter Tuesday night, writing: 'It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow's family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19. Three days after being admitted, his office said he had been transferred to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center. Follow David Ng on Twitter@HeyItsDavidNg. For more information, please see our According to reports, he alike other GOP members in Washington (who deny the virus and then refuse to adhere to safety guidelines) was given a controversial cocktail that included Remdesivir. Shop unique Luke Letlow face masks designed and sold by independent artists. At the time, he said he was at home, 'resting, following all CDC guidelines, quarantine protocols, and the recommendations of my doctors'. The comments below have not been moderated. Close. He truly enjoyed meeting people, learning about them, and helping them. 'Luke was going to be the rural champion,' he continued. Letlow, 41, is survived by his wife and two children, and while a number of people are mourning him today, a number of people are also going online to post photos of maskless campaign events leading up to Letlows Dec. 18 diagnosis. 1.3k. 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[3][14] The hospital reported that he had no underlying conditions when admitted but died in the ICU after suffering a "cardiac event" and could not be resuscitated. Luke Letlow, elected to represent Louisianas 5th Congressional District in a runoff election earlier this month, died of COVID-19 complications in a Shreveport hospital Tuesday night. Its been very different than any campaign Ive been part of, he said. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Letlow had tweeted several times since receiving his diagnosis on December 18th, Letlow appeared to have been preparing for Congress all of his life ever since he was president of the College Republicans at Louisiana Tech University. Covid is in rural areas as well. The vast majority either don't have, or aren't wearing, a facemask. pic.twitter.com/A4reUBnc4P. Another responded to a more reflective Letlow tweet from Dec. 21, in which the congressman-elect thanked supporters for their prayers and expressed optimism regarding his recovery. 'Your plasma is ESPECIALLY needed by those who are suffering,' he wrote in a tweet. The death of Letlow - who was due to be sworn into office Sunday -was first confirmed in a post to his official Facebook page. He started feeling ill less than two weeks ago, just a few days after winning election to congress. He was just days away from being sworn into the House of Representatives, where he was set to represent Louisianas 5th congressional district. He was supposed to be sworn into Congress on Sunday. Congressman-elect Luke Letlow (R-LA) has passed away after battling the coronavirus By HuffPost Video Videos For You Here's Why You Should Travel By Yourself Older Adults Are Sharing The Things Every Younger Woman Should Know Shockingly Scandalous Family Secrets That Are So Messed-Up Florence Pugh Stuns Again In Sheer Look [20][21], 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana, List of members-elect of the United States House of Representatives who never took their seats, "Congressman-elect Luke Letlow suffered a heart attack following operation", "Luke Letlow Wins Runoff to Succeed His Boss, Ralph Abraham, in Louisiana's 5th District", "Congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies from COVID-19", "Engagements - Luke Letlow and Julia Barnhill", "Luke Letlow joins congressional race with Ralph Abraham's backing", "Start resident seeks Congressional seat", "Newly elected Congressman Ralph Abraham names chief of staff for U.S. House office in DC | State Politics", "Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies with COVID-19", "Luke Letlow, Lance Harris emerge in all-Republican runoff for 5th Congressional District", "Louisiana election results: Letlow, Harris in GOP runoff for Congress", "Luke Letlow wins Louisiana's 5th Congressional District race", Luke Letlow, GOP congressman-elect from Louisiana, dies of covid-19, "Louisiana congressman-elect dies of Covid", "Letlow transferred to ICU for COVID-19 treatment", "Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies after being hospitalized with coronavirus", "Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, dies from coronavirus complications; 'we're all in disbelief', "Election to replace Luke Letlow in Congress to be set for March, officials say", "Julia Letlow, whose husband died of Covid-19 before being sworn into Congress, will run for the seat", "Replacing husband who died from Covid-19, Julia Letlow hopes to bring her own experience to Congress", "Julia Letlow wins Louisiana's 5th District special election while 2nd District goes to runoff, CNN projects", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Luke_Letlow&oldid=1148097760, This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 02:05. There, my photographer and I were the only people wearing masks. Letlow and his family pictured on December 5 casting their votes at a local elementary school. Hospitalizations have also reached a pandemic high of more than 124,000. Phil Murphy (D), andLos Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl (D). 'Letlow was admitted into a Monroe Hospital on December 19 after testing positive for the coronavirus and was transferred to Ochsner-LSU Health on Tuesday, December 22, and placed in intensive care. John Bel Edwards (D) expressed grief at Letlows passing. The Crown recreates Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex's popstar welcome on 1998 tour of Canada - but is that really meant to be Harry at 13? In April, Letlow tweeted that Trump was 'defeating COVID', Letlow and his wife Julia with their two young children in a recent photo they used for their Thanksgiving card, Letlow'swife Julia has not yet issued a public statement on her husband's passing. His Facebook is also a testament to how his personal choices might have put him at greater risk for contracting coronavirus, including documentation of a Dec. 2 meet-and-greet event where he and some of his supporters are indoors and maskless together. He was more interested in the people part of politics than the petty part of politics.'. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Friends say. [6] In the nonpartisan blanket primary on November 3, Letlow finished in first place with 33% of the vote, while State Representative Lance Harris, a fellow Republican, finished second with 17%. About this young man MRCTV Daily newsletter to receive the latest news rural! Politics. ' had a great day traveling through St. Landry Parish talking to voters elected. 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