California GOP Congressman Doug LaMalfa d!es at 65

Doug LaMalfa, a longtime Republican congressman from Northern California, has died at the age of 65, House GOP leadership announced Tuesday. A fourth-generation rice farmer and business owner, LaMalfa was widely regarded as a strong voice for agriculture and rural communities in Congress. He served as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and played a key role in shaping congressional responses to the deadly wildfires that have hit California in recent years, including areas within his large district that includes Chico. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a close friend, confirmed LaMalfas death, describing it as a sudden and devastating loss. He said LaMalfa was a devoted husband and father and a steadfast advocate for his constituents and rural America, adding that his prayers were with LaMalfas wife, Jill, and their children. House GOP campaign chief Rep. Richard Hudson also paid tribute, calling LaMalfa a principled conservative and tireless advocate for Northern California. Hudson said LaMalfa never hesitated to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families, bringing grit, authenticity, and conviction to his public service. He noted that they served together on the Agriculture Committee and shared a love for cars and NASCAR, saying he would deeply miss his friend. LaMalfas death immediately affects the balance of power in the narrowly divided House. Speaker Mike Johnson is now overseeing one of the slimmest majorities in history, with Republicans holding 218 seats to Democrats 213, leaving little room for party-line defections. California will hold a special election to fill LaMalfas seat in the coming weeks. The district is expected to remain safely Republican, as LaMalfa represented an area that President Donald Trump won by roughly 25 points in the last election. Although the district has been redrawn for the 2026 midterms, the special election is expected to use the current boundaries. President Donald Trump ordered flags at the White House to be flown at half-staff in LaMalfas honor and paid tribute during remarks at a House GOP retreat. Trump praised LaMalfa as a strong leader on Western and California water issues and described him as a fierce champion for his constituents. The president also offered condolences to LaMalfas family and said the congressman consistently supported his agenda. Trump said he considered postponing his remarks but decided to proceed in LaMalfas honor, noting that it was what the late congressman would have wanted. The post California GOP Congressman Doug LaMalfa d!es at 65 appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.