(The Center Square) — Incumbent U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., won reelection in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, securing another term in a district that has historically leaned heavily Republican.
According to preliminary results from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office, she won 200,990 votes or 63% of the total.
Her challengers — Republican M.V. Mendoza, a U.S. Air Force retiree, and Democratic candidate Michael Vallien Jr., a real estate broker and government advocate — were both unable to generate comparable resources or traction.
Vallien finished second with 82,900 votes or 26%, with Mendoza earning 35,813 votes or 11%.
“It truly is the honor of my lifetime to be your representative in Congress and I look forward to continuing the critical fight for our families and our future over the next two years!” Letlow wrote on X.
Letlow, who first took office in a special election in 2021 following the passing of her husband, U.S. Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, faced minimal competition in this election, with challengers from both sides of the aisle lacking her financial and institutional support.
Letlow’s victory extends her work on key House committees, including her roles on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, among others.
Throughout her tenure, she has signaled strong support for the oil, gas, and agriculture industries, opposition to raising the minimum wage, and advocacy for pro-life and Second Amendment policies.
Letlow’s campaign received significant financial backing, with $2.5 million raised by mid-October.
