US Representative-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana has died of COVID-19, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday.

Letlow, 41, announced on December 18 that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19," Edwards said on Twitter.

Letlow, a Republican, won a run-off election on December 5 for the 5th District seat, which represents north-east and central Louisiana, and was due to be sworn in on Sunday.