Julia Letlow, the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana, has long been drawn to public service. A university official with a Ph.D. in communication, Letlow gave thought to running someday for political office as she campaigned in 2020 with her husband Luke Letlow, who was elected to Louisiana’s 5th District that November. His unexpected death in late December, five days before he was to begin serving in the 117th Congress, required Julia Letlow to make a decision about becoming a political candidate much sooner and faster than she ever anticipated. Her priorities include expanding broadband infrastructure in predominantly rural communities and supporting needs of single mothers.