California Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R), a longtime advocate for rural issues, died at age 65 following emergency surgery for an aortic aneurysm, his chief of staff announced early Tuesday. The loss tightens the House Republican majority at 219-213 and prompts a special election for his seat.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who represented California's 1st Congressional District since 2013, died early Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at age 65, according to his chief of staff, Mark Spannagel.
Spannagel said: "Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership kindness to the North State." He highlighted LaMalfa's efforts on forest management, water storage, and individual freedoms.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) confirmed the news on X, describing LaMalfa as "a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America," and extended condolences to LaMalfa's wife, Jill, and their four children.
LaMalfa suffered an aortic aneurysm and did not survive emergency surgery at a Northern California hospital. As noted in prior coverage, he was a fourth-generation rice farmer, former chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, and received tributes from former President Donald Trump and ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for his work on agriculture and water issues.
With the House at a slim 219-213 Republican majority following Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to call a special election for the seat, which could shift the balance.
