Julia Letlow is a 44-year-old Republican U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 5th Congressional District since 2021. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in speech communications from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and her Ph.D. from the University of South Florida. She served as a university professor and administrator before her election to Congress. Letlow was first elected in a 2021 special election to replace her late husband, Luke Letlow, who died of COVID-19 in December 2020 before taking office. She won re-election in 2022 with 67.6% and 2024 with 62.9%. Letlow sits on the House Appropriations Committee and has become a prominent Trump-aligned Republican voice. She is the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana.
Julia Janelle Letlow was born March 16, 1981, in Monroe, Louisiana. She is the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana. Her path to politics was unconventional - she initially worked as a university professor and administrator in higher education, earning positions at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Tulane University focusing on education quality and patient safety. She met her husband, Luke Letlow, in high school. Luke was elected to Louisiana's 5th Congressional District in 2020 but died from COVID-19 complications in December 2020 before taking office. Julia decided to run in the special election to 'pick up Luke's baton' and won with over 64% in the blanket primary, avoiding a runoff. She has since been reelected twice and serves on the House Appropriations Committee, focusing on securing federal resources for Louisiana projects. Letlow is a mother of two and became engaged to Kevin Ainsworth, a Baton Rouge lawyer and lobbyist, in December 2025 at a Congressional Christmas ball where Trump announced the engagement.
Strong opponent of DEI and 'woke ideology' in schools; supports parent oversight
Authored Parent's Bill of Rights (H.R. 5) which passed the House in 2023, requiring school districts to make curricula public and provide parents with information on library materials
Voting History: Introduced and passed H.R. 5 Parent's Bill of Rights in 2023; has campaign pledge to eliminate woke ideology from education
Supports strict border security and legal enforcement
Campaign emphasizes securing borders; criticized Biden administration for immigration detainee releases in Louisiana
Voting History: Released statement criticizing Biden administration immigration policy releases in Louisiana
Ardent Trump supporter with Trump endorsement
Received Trump endorsement in January 2026; campaign emphasizes fighting alongside Trump
Voting History: Described herself as 'America First Congresswoman' and reliable Trump vote in House
Supports law enforcement
Campaign emphasis on supporting law enforcement and securing borders
Voting History: No major legislation on law enforcement to date
Advocates for federal accountability and infrastructure improvement
Campaign focus on addressing flooding and insurance crisis through infrastructure and federal funding; emphasized work on Appropriations Committee
Voting History: Co-led BUILD Act (H.R. 2979) for law enforcement and fire department infrastructure; introduced H.R. 2822 to extend National Flood Insurance Program
Letlow has a limited voting record as a House member with focus on education, infrastructure, and rural broadband. OpenSecrets data shows 40.8% from PACs, 36.97% from large individual contributions, with top donors including American Israel Public Affairs Committee ($180,150) and Lobbyists ($180,150).
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R. 5 - Parent's Bill of Rights | Education oversight and parental rights | Yea | 2023-03-24 | Letlow-authored bill giving parents curriculum oversight; passed House 218-213; key campaign issue |
| H.R. 2979 - BUILD Act | Infrastructure for small law enforcement and fire departments | Yea | 2025-01-01 | Co-led bipartisan bill supporting law enforcement and first responder infrastructure |
| H.R. 2822 - National Flood Insurance Program Extension | Flood insurance program extension | Yea | 2025-01-01 | Introduced to address Louisiana flooding and insurance crisis through 2026 |
Social media tone emphasizes Trump alignment and conservative values, positioning herself as more reliably conservative than Cassidy. Primary message focuses on unwavering support for Trump and traditional conservative priorities.
Announcement of Senate candidacy: 'Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate to ensure the nation we leave our children is safer and stronger. Louisiana deserves a conservative Senator who will not waver. I am honored to have President Trump's endorsement and trust. Let's Geaux!'
Official campaign announcement highlighting Trump endorsement and conservative credentials
View post →Letlow called Cassidy to say she respected him and he had done a good job
Cassidy's public response when Letlow announced her candidacy, suggesting mutual respect
Attack ads calling Letlow 'Liberal Letlow' for stock trading and DEI support
Campaign billboard and advertising comparing Letlow to Nancy Pelosi on stock trading; Cassidy denied direct involvement in ads