12 times lawmakers were replaced by their relatives in Congress

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Monday, August 03, 2026

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, R-La., stands outside Start Elementary School in Start, Louisiana, with his wife Julia and two children after casting his ballot for himself in the runoff election for Louisiana's 5th congressional district, Dec. 5, 2020. | Twitter/Luke Letlow

10. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La.

Republican Luke Letlow won Louisiana's 5th Congressional District seat in 2020 but died of COVID-19 before taking office. A doctor attributed Letlow’s death to a cardiac event but contended that his death was “all COVID related.”

His widow, Julia, won a 2021 special election to fill the vacancy. She continues to represent Louisiana's 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com

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