Garret Graves announces he will not seek Julia Letlow’s congressional seat

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Former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves said Wednesday he will not run to replace U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and represent Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.

"We are thankful for all of the strong support and encouragement to run for Congress,” Graves said in a statement.

“This is not the time nor office that makes sense. I will not be running for Congress this election,” he said. “There is a strong demand for people-focused representation and leadership in Louisiana. I am confident the right opportunity to help fill this void will arise in the future.”

The announcement comes as candidates are signing up for the race after Letlow last week announced she would run to unseat U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Letlow recently won President Donald Trump’s backing in the Senate contest.

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Graves served in Congress from 2015 to 2024, representing Baton Rouge and parishes to the south until Louisiana’s congressional map was redrawn. He decided not to seek reelection after he ended up with a district he didn’t think he could win.

Letlow’s decision to join the Senate race prompted speculation that Graves would seize the opportunity to return to Capitol Hill.

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