Republican Julia Letlow easily won a special election for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District on Saturday, following the death of her husband Luke Letlow in December.
Luke Letlow, a Republican, was elected in a special race in December but died weeks later due to complications from the coronavirus before he was able to take office.
Julia Letlow beat out 11 other candidates for the U.S. House seat.
"This is an incredible moment, and it is truly hard to put into words," Letlow said in a statement after her victory was announced. "What was born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband, Luke, has become my mission in his honor to carry the torch and serve the good people of Louisiana’s 5th District."
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Julia Letlow, widow of Republican U.S. Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, speaks to members of the press in Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 21, 2021. (Associated Press)
Letlow is the first Republican congresswoman from Louisiana.
Former President Trump endorsed Julia Letlow – who ran on agricultural issues and conservative values similar to her husband’s campaign – earlier this month and reiterated his support Saturday.
"Julia Letlow is outstanding and so necessary to help save our Second Amendment, at the border, and for our military and vets," Trump said. "Louisiana, get out and vote today — she will never disappoint! Julia has my complete and total endorsement."
She was also endorsed by the state GOP and raised more money than all her competitors combined. It was the first bid for elected office by the higher education administrator who lives in the small town of Start in Richland Parish.
Luke Letlow is seen in Baton Rouge, La., July 22, 2020. Letlow won a U.S. House seat last year but died of COVID-19 before he could take office. (Associated Press)
Luke Letlow died suddenly on Dec. 29, 2020, at age 41 from complications of COVID-19. He was to be sworn in Jan. 3.
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., congratulated Letlow on her win, saying in a statement she "offered a message that united Louisiana voters and defied predictions by winning this special election outright with a clear majority — a remarkable accomplishment among a field of 12 candidates.
"As Julia succeeds her late husband and our friend, Luke, we look forward to welcoming her to Congress, where her expertise in higher education will help us continue to deliver solutions for America."
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, also lauded her on what he said must be a proud but bittersweet day.
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"She has continued to exemplify strength, determination and tenacity in the wake of a terrible tragedy. I know that these same characteristics that got her through the last few months will make her an excellent advocate for Louisiana in Washington, D.C.," the Democratic governor said in a statement.
Letlow won 65% of the vote with Democrat Sandra "Candy" Christophe getting about 27% of the vote. Her husband won by a similar margin in December.
The late Luke Letlow is seen with Julia Letlow and their children in an undated photo.
Letlow announced her candidacy in January, a move that sidelined other high-profile Republicans who had expressed interest in the seat.
She raised more than $680,000 for the race, according to data filed with the Federal Election Commission. Her closest fundraising competitor, Christophe, brought in $75,000. Christophe is a social worker from Alexandria who also ran unsuccessfully against Luke Letlow.
The 5th District covers all or part of 24 parishes, including the cities of Alexandria and Monroe.
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In Louisiana, all candidates regardless of party compete against each other in the primary. If no candidate tops 50% of the vote, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters.
Along with his wife, Letlow left behind two children.
The race for the deep blue 2nd District, also held Saturday, will go to an April runoff to replace Democrat Cedric Richmond who left Congress to become a White House adviser to President Biden.
Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter will face off April 24.
Fox News' Marisa Schultz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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