Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California has died at the age of 65 while still serving in office. His death tightens the already narrow Republican majority in the US House of Representatives, just months before elections that will decide control of Congress. LaMalfa’s death reduces the House count to 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats. This comes just one day after Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned.
Democrats are expected to gain at least one more seat after a January 31 runoff election in Texas to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner. Additional special elections later this year could further change the balance of power, putting pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership.
Who was Doug LaMalfa?
Doug LaMalfa, whose full name was Douglas Lee LaMalfa, was born on July 2, 1960, in Oroville, California. A lifelong resident of Northern California, he was a fourth-generation rice farmer and co-owner of DSL Farms. He earned a degree in agriculture and business from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 1982.
LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District from 2013 until his death. The district covers large rural areas, including Chico, Redding, and Susanville. Before entering Congress, he served in the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008 and later in the State Senate from 2010 to 2012.
He chaired the Congressional Western Caucus and served on key committees, including Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure. LaMalfa focused heavily on water policy, farming issues, and rural development. He strongly opposed large federal spending bills and supported low taxes. He was also known for supporting gun rights and authored a California law preventing firearm seizures during emergencies or natural disasters.
What will happen now?
Under California law, Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to announce a special election to fill LaMalfa’s seat. The election must take place within 140 days, meaning the race could happen as late as June. Until then, Republicans will continue to govern with one of the slimmest House margins in modern history.
Tributes pour in
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressed shock and sadness at LaMalfa’s passing. President Donald Trump mourned LaMalfa while speaking to House Republicans on Tuesday. “He was a fantastic person,” Trump said. “He voted with me 100% of the time.”
“Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “He was as fierce of a fighter for his state’s vast natural resources and beauty as we have ever known.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also paid tribute. “A fourth-generation rice farmer, Rep. LaMalfa treasured his community, worked powerfully to protect California’s farmers and served those he represented with principled purpose, from the state legislature to the United States House of Representatives,” Jeffries said.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called the loss devastating. “Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” Emmer said. Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina remembered LaMalfa’s work ethic. “Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California,” Hudson said.