Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican and fourth-generation rice farmer who represented the state’s rural 1st Congressional District, has died at age 65, House GOP leaders said. Tributes from colleagues and former President Donald Trump praised his work on rural and Western issues, while officials said no official cause of death had been released.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), a fourth-generation rice farmer and longtime Northern California resident, died on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 65, House Republican leadership said.
In a statement posted Tuesday, House Republicans said LaMalfa “spent more than two decades in public service,” noting that he represented California’s 1st Congressional District from 2013 to 2026 and served as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. The statement offered condolences to his wife, Jill, their children and his staff.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) also confirmed the death in a post on X, calling LaMalfa “a staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” and said he and his wife, Jacquie, were “devastated” by the loss.
Former President Donald Trump, speaking at a gathering of House Republicans on Tuesday, described LaMalfa as “a great, great, great member” and highlighted his advocacy on California water issues. Trump said LaMalfa “was the leader of the Western Caucus” and offered condolences to LaMalfa’s family.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in a separate post that he was “profoundly heartbroken” and remembered LaMalfa as a close friend and former roommate from their time in the California State Legislature. McCarthy said LaMalfa fought for agriculture and water priorities and criticized what he called wasteful state projects, including California’s high-speed rail plan.
Officials have not released an official cause of death. The Associated Press and other outlets reported that LaMalfa suffered a medical emergency and died during an emergency surgical procedure after being taken to a local hospital.
