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California GOP congressman Doug LaMalfa dies unexpectedly
Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a six-term congressman from California, passed away at age 65 on Tuesday, colleagues confirmed. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Tributes pour in from political allies
Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to LaMalfa, calling him a "great, great, great member" of Congress and highlighting his unwavering support. "He was a fantastic person," Trump said. "He voted with me 100% of the time."
Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer remembered LaMalfa as a "staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America."
Career focused on agriculture and rural issues
LaMalfa, a former rice farmer, represented California's 1st Congressional District since 2013. He earned a degree in agricultural business from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and previously served as a state lawmaker.
During his tenure, LaMalfa championed water and agriculture policies, supported wildfire victims in his northern California district, and opposed regulatory measures he argued burdened farmers and ranchers. His congressional website described his work as efforts to "protect families from overregulation" and ensure "American farmers and ranchers can continue to feed the world."
GOP House majority shrinks further
LaMalfa's death reduces the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to a razor-thin margin of 218-213. This follows Monday's resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, another Trump ally, which had already narrowed the GOP's advantage.
The slimmer majority means Republicans can afford to lose only two votes on any given measure without risking defeat, as Democrats could sway the outcome if three GOP members abstain or cross party lines.
Additional House vacancies and health scare
With LaMalfa's death, the House now has four vacant seats. Democrats are favored to win two of them in upcoming special elections: one in Texas at the end of January and another in New Jersey later this spring.
On the same day LaMalfa's death was announced, Indiana Rep. Jim Baird, a Republican, was hospitalized after a car accident. A statement on social media confirmed he is recuperating and "expected to make a full recovery."
Special election to fill LaMalfa's seat
Under California law, Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to call a special election to fill the vacancy left by LaMalfa's death. The timeline for the election and potential primary will be determined in the coming weeks.
