Luke Letlow

U.S. congressman-elect Age: 41

Luke Letlow prepared his whole life to serve in Congress, working for three congressmen over two decades before finally celebrating his own win in the fall of 2020.

“I’ve learned from some of the best and I want to apply that knowledge to leverage the best for the 5th District,” Letlow said after his victory. “I want to make a difference. I’m going to make a difference.”

Less than a month later, on Dec. 29, days before he was to be sworn in, Letlow, 41, died of COVID-19, leaving his wife, Julia, and two children, Jeremiah and Jacqueline.

Julia Letlow later won the congressional seat in a special election, saying she was compelled to “pick up the torch” from her husband.

“We are heartbroken to have lost Luke far too early, and with far too much promise, but we are immensely grateful for all that Luke achieved in a life defined by service to others and a steadfast commitment to making a real difference in this world,” the family said.