U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California's 1st Congressional District, died at the age of 65 after a medical emergency and subsequent surgery. His death creates a vacancy in the House of Representatives, reducing the Republican party's narrow majority, and necessitates a special election to fill the remainder of his term.
Circumstances of Death
Representative LaMalfa experienced a medical emergency at his home on the evening of Monday, January 5. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital in Chico, Butte County, where he underwent surgery. He passed away during the procedure. The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. His death was announced on Tuesday.
Congressional Career and Background
A fourth-generation rice farmer from Butte County, Doug LaMalfa's political career began in 2002 with his election to the California State Assembly, where he served until 2008. He then served in the California State Senate from 2010 to 2012. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, serving until his death and holding his seventh term.
During his tenure in Congress, LaMalfa was a member of the House Agriculture Committee, where he chaired a subcommittee on forestry issues, as well as committees addressing natural resources and transportation and infrastructure. He also chaired the Congressional Western Caucus, which advocates for Western and rural areas.
Legislative Focus and Political Stance
LaMalfa focused on issues pertinent to his rural constituency, including water access, forestry management, and wildfire prevention. He engaged in direct advocacy, such as making legislative requests to the president after the State of the Union address, including advocating for expedited timber cutting permits. In 2024, he sponsored legislation that exempted wildfire relief payments from federal income taxes, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Politically, LaMalfa supported conservative legislative priorities and was known as an ally of former President Donald Trump. He voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results and voiced skepticism regarding the causes of climate change. He also opposed Proposition 50, California's redistricting plan, arguing it diluted the representation of rural Californians by combining their areas with more urban regions.
Impact on House Majority
LaMalfa’s death reduces the House Republican majority to 218 members. The current party breakdown in the House now stands at 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats. This means Republican leadership can afford to lose no more than two votes on party-line legislative measures. Two other House seats are currently open: one in Texas, formerly held by a Democrat, with a runoff election scheduled for January 31, and a New Jersey seat, also formerly held by a Democrat, with a special election on April 16.
Special Election Process
Under California law, Governor Gavin Newsom is required to call a special election within 14 days to fill the remainder of LaMalfa's term. This special election will utilize the existing congressional district map, which historically favors Republican candidates. However, for the upcoming November general election, voters will cast ballots under new district lines that were redrawn last year under Proposition 50 and are considered to lean Democratic. Consequently, any individual elected in the special election would serve for a limited period before needing to campaign under a significantly altered political landscape. Governor Newsom's spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, has indicated that a date for the special election has not yet been chosen.
Potential Successors
Several individuals have been mentioned as potential candidates for the seat. For the special election, Assemblymember James Gallagher and former State Senator Brian Dahle are circulating as potential Republican candidates. Both Gallagher and Dahle have issued statements acknowledging LaMalfa's passing. For the upcoming November general election under the new district lines, State Senator Mike McGuire and Chico State Professor Audrey Denney, both Democrats, had already declared their candidacy. It remains unclear whether LaMalfa's Democratic challengers intend to participate in the special election.
Tributes and Family
Congressional leaders and colleagues offered statements following LaMalfa's passing. President Donald Trump referred to him as a "great member" and highlighted his role as leader of the Western Caucus and an advocate for California water issues. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer acknowledged LaMalfa as a "loving father and husband" and an advocate for his constituents. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy described him as "one of the most genuine, most honest guys you would ever meet." House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries requested a moment of silence in his honor.
LaMalfa is survived by his wife Jill, four children, one grandchild, two sisters, and several cousins.