|

Julia

Letlow

Republican
LA
Monroe, Alexandria, Opelousas
Download PDF
JuliaLetlow

View this Profile FREE

Get access to all of the profiles, as well as insights and analysis, in both database and e-book form FREE:

Personal Background

Birthdate

3/16/1981 (40)

Race/Ethnicity

Caucasian/White

Gender Identification

F
Twitter

@jbletlow

Religion

Presbyterian

Family

Widowed, 2 children

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

B.A., M.A. in Speech Communications, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Ph.D. in Communication, University of South Florida

KEY HEALTH LINK

In 2015, Letlow’s mother, Kathi Barnhill, was diagnosed with breast cancer. For treatment, Mrs. Barnhill underwent 10 months of chemotherapy, radiation and various surgeries.

Political/Professional Background

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

Never held elected office

2020 ELECTION CONTEXT

In 2020, Letlow’s late husband, Luke, received the most votes in the nonpartisan primary for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, but did not clear the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff election. He ran against fellow Republican Lance Harris in the December 5 runoff election, ultimately winning with 62% of the vote. Luke tragically passed away due to complications from the COVID-19 virus on December 29, 2020, before he could be seated in Congress. In January 2021, Julia chose to launch her campaign seeking this seat. On March 20, 2021, Letlow received roughly 64.9% of the vote in the nonpartisan primary for the 5th District, winning the seat outright. Letlow is the first Republican woman to represent Louisiana in Congress.

INCUMBENT REPLACED

Ralph Abraham (R) (Retired)

MOST RECENT PROFESSION

Executive Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Community Outreach, University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM)

POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY

While her late husband, Luke, pursued a career in politics and had been elected to this seat in 2020, Letlow had not previously sought elected office. Having pursued a career in higher education, Letlow has most recently taught and held administrative positions on the faculty of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In 2020, Letlow was a semifinalist for President of ULM, but was ultimately not selected. Additionally, Letlow is the President of the Jeremy Barnhill Foundation for Christian Teens, an organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to young people for participation in Christian activities. The foundation was created by Letlow and her siblings following the death of their brother in a car accident.

On The Issues

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Letlow's late husband, Luke Letlow, passed away from complications from the COVID-19 virus on December 29, 2020. While Luke backed social distancing measures and mask wearing during his campaign, there were also photos taken of him and posted to his social media accounts showing him campaigning indoors, at times without a mask. Additionally, he argued for loosening restrictions when the pandemic ebbed over the summer of 2020. While campaigning for the Louisiana’s 5th District in her own right, Letlow was careful to wear a mask when around others in public, saying, "I want to wear that mask and make sure that I’m protecting them." Letlow opposes the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in March 2021.

HEALTH COVERAGE

No Info

MARIJUANA

No Info

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION

No Info

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

No Data

VETERANS HEALTH CARE

Letlow's campaign website states that she "will always support the men and women who protect our country at home and abroad."

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Letlow's campaign website describes her as "100% Pro-Life," and states that she "has been a devout Christian her entire life and will always fight for the unborn."

OTHER HEALTH CARE ISSUES

Letlow's campaign website states that "seniors are the greatest generation who paved the way for us, and we need to ensure they receive the best care in the world." Additionally, her campaign website states that she "will work to end the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) which unfairly penalizes retirees' Social Security benefits."

DID YOU KNOW?

Letlow’s dissertation is titled, “Giving Meaning to Grief: The Role of Rituals and Stories in Coping with Sudden Family Loss,” and was dedicated to her late brother, Jeremy. Letlow competed in track and field while in high school, earning a state championship title for the long jump.