Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, 65, a four-generation California rice farmer and seven-term congressman, has died after a medical emergency that led to surgery, officials said. His death reduces the GOP's slim House majority to 218-213. LaMalfa was known for his work on agriculture, forestry and rural issues, and Gov. Gavin Newsom must call a special election that could be held as late as June 2026.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dies at 65; GOP House Majority Narrows to 218-213
FILE - Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., speaks during a press conference in Chico, Calif., , Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, FIle)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a fourth-generation California rice farmer who served seven terms in the U.S. House, has died at 65 after experiencing a medical emergency Monday night, officials said. He was taken to a local hospital and died during a surgical procedure, the Butte County Sheriff's Office reported. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death.
FILE - Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., a member of the House Agriculture Committee, arrives for a closed-door meeting with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and fellow Republicans, at the Capitol in Washington, June 13, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Impact On the House
LaMalfa's death reduces the Republican majority in the U.S. House to 218 Republicans versus 213 Democrats, tightening an already narrow margin and prompting the need to fill his seat.
FILE - In this image from video, Rep. Doug LaMalfa. R-Calif., speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 23, 2020. (House Television via AP, FIle)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Career and Committee Work
First elected in 2012, LaMalfa represented California's sprawling 1st District — a largely rural area stretching from the Oregon border to just north of Sacramento. He served on the House Agriculture Committee, chaired a subcommittee with jurisdiction over forestry issues, and worked on panels addressing transportation and natural resources.
FILE - President Joe Biden, left, greets Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., after delivering the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, March 7, 2024, in Washington. (Shawn Thew/Pool via AP, FIle)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Local Focus and Constituent Service
Colleagues and staff recalled LaMalfa's hands-on approach: long drives to remote towns, frequent town halls and attention to local priorities such as wildfire prevention and water storage. His longtime chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, described him as "down to earth," a car enthusiast who was known for showing up to small community events across the district.
President Donald Trump speaks to House Republican lawmakers during their annual policy retreat, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Reactions
“He voted with me 100% of the time,” former President Donald Trump said Tuesday, expressing sorrow and calling LaMalfa a loyal ally. House and Senate colleagues from both parties offered condolences and noted his willingness to work across the aisle on local issues.
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson called him "a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California." Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff said he was "shocked" and praised LaMalfa's readiness to collaborate on practical solutions.
What Comes Next
California Gov. Gavin Newsom must call a special election to fill the vacancy; his office said the election could be scheduled as late as the June 2026 primary. Until a successor is elected, the House will operate with the slimmer GOP margin.
C-SPAN noted LaMalfa was a frequent speaker on the House floor, delivering at least one set of remarks for the record on 81 days in 2025, placing him among the chamber's more active floor speakers that year.
Reporters Michael Catalini in Trenton, N.J., and John Freking in Washington contributed to this report. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington also contributed.
