U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa Passes Away
U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican representing California's 1st Congressional District, died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 65. The congressman passed away during an emergency surgical procedure at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, California, following a medical emergency at his home on the evening of January 5. The Butte County Sheriff's Office confirmed his passing and stated that an investigation into the cause of death, including an autopsy by a forensic pathologist, is underway.
Impact on House Republican Majority
LaMalfa's death significantly narrows the Republican Party's already slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The GOP's control now stands at 218 seats to the Democrats' 213. This reduction in numbers, coming shortly after the resignation of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, means that House Republicans can now afford to lose only two votes on party-line measures, posing increased challenges for passing their legislative agenda.
A Career Dedicated to Northern California
A fourth-generation rice farmer from Richvale, California, Doug LaMalfa was a prominent voice for agriculture and rural communities throughout his political career. He served in the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008 and the State Senate from 2010 to 2012 before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. During his tenure in Congress, LaMalfa served on key committees, including the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. In 2025, he was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, focusing on issues vital to Western and rural America. He was known for his advocacy on water issues, disaster recovery, and efforts to reduce wildfire risks in his district.
Tributes and Condolences
News of LaMalfa's passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff, stating, 'Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented.' House Majority Whip Tom Emmer expressed devastation at the 'sudden loss,' describing LaMalfa as 'a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America.' Former President Donald Trump remembered LaMalfa as a 'fantastic person' and 'great, great member' who was 'a defender of everybody.' Colleagues and constituents alike remembered him for his dedication, humor, and unwavering commitment to his district.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
This already slim majority was a joke. Now it's even worse.
Noir Black
The condolences from across the aisle are appropriate for a personal loss, but the immediate political reality is that this makes an already gridlocked House even harder to manage for the Republican leadership.
Kyle Broflovski
While his career was marked by advocacy for Western issues, the more pressing concern now is how the GOP navigates its even narrower path forward and what this means for upcoming votes.
Stan Marsh
He fought hard for rural communities. A real loss.
Eric Cartman
So sad to hear this news. A true public servant for California.