Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a seven-term lawmaker from Northern California and a dependable vote for President Donald Trump’s agenda, has died at the age of 65, House Republican leaders confirmed Tuesday. The death of the congressman immediately narrows the GOP’s already slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, with Republicans now holding 218 seats to Democrats’ 213.

Details surrounding Doug LaMalfa’s cause of death were not immediately released, and House leaders said further information would be shared when available. LaMalfa’s sudden passing prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, including President Trump, House Republican leadership, and members of California’s congressional delegation.

Doug LaMalfa’s Death Alters Balance of Power in the House

House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

A lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, Congressman LaMalfa spent more than two decades in public service. He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District from… pic.twitter.com/nTFSiEXUlE

— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) January 6, 2026

The death of congressman Doug LaMalfa comes at a pivotal moment for House Republicans, who are operating under one of the narrowest majorities in modern congressional history. His absence means Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose no more than two Republican votes on any party-line legislation moving forward.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer confirmed LaMalfa’s death in a statement Tuesday, calling the loss “sudden” and deeply personal.

“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Emmer wrote. “Doug was a loving father and husband, and a staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America.”

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson also confirmed the death, noting that LaMalfa’s absence will be felt both politically and personally within the House GOP conference.

How Did Doug LaMalfa Die?

Questions surrounding how Doug LaMalfa died remain unanswered as of Tuesday evening. His family or congressional leadership has not disclosed his cause of death, and officials said no additional details were immediately available.

Former aides described the news as unexpected. David Reade, who previously served as LaMalfa’s chief of staff during his time in the California legislature, said the longtime lawmaker had remained active and engaged with his district.

Until further information is released, Doug LaMalfa’s cause of death remains unclear. Lawmakers from both parties urged restraint and respect for the privacy of LaMalfa’s wife, Jill, and their children.

Trump, GOP Leaders Pay Tribute

“I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member — a great, great, great member — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday… our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family.” 🇺🇸❤️pic.twitter.com/tySLWmchjV

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 6, 2026

President Donald Trump addressed the death of congressman Doug LaMalfa while speaking to House Republicans during their annual policy retreat Tuesday. Trump said he felt “tremendous sorrow” over the loss of a lawmaker he described as one of his most reliable allies.

“I was really saddened by his passing,” Trump said. “He voted with me 100% of the time. With Doug, I never had to call.”

Trump noted that LaMalfa was a key supporter of his administration’s policies, particularly on Western land and water issues, and said he considered postponing his remarks but ultimately chose to proceed in LaMalfa’s honor.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York also acknowledged LaMalfa’s death, calling for a moment of silence at the Capitol during a panel commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.

A Career Spanning More Than a Decade in Congress

First elected to Congress in 2012, congressman Doug LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District, a largely rural region stretching along the Oregon border and including Redding, Chico, and areas north of Sacramento. Before his time in Washington, LaMalfa served in the California State Assembly and Senate.

A fourth-generation rice farmer and business owner, LaMalfa became a leading voice on agriculture, wildfire prevention, and rural economic policy. He chaired the Congressional Western Caucus and played a prominent role in shaping federal responses to devastating wildfires that repeatedly struck Northern California.

LaMalfa was also a frequent presence on the House floor. According to C-SPAN, he delivered remarks on at least 81 separate days in 2025, making him one of the most active speakers in Congress during that year.

Special Election Looms in Northern California

Context: With the unexpected passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, Gov. Gavin Newsom (by law) will need to call a special election within 14 days, to be held within 116-140 days to fill the seat.

That means there will be an election to fill the remainder of LaMalfa’s term under the…

— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) January 6, 2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is required to call a special election to fill LaMalfa’s vacant seat. His office said the election could be held as late as June, coinciding with California’s primary elections for the 2026 midterms.

Although California voters recently approved a ballot measure that dramatically redrew congressional districts, a change expected to complicate reelection prospects for several Republicans, the special election to replace congressman Doug LaMalfa is expected to be conducted under the current district lines.

Those lines strongly favor Republicans. In the most recent election, President Trump carried the district by approximately 25 points, making it likely the seat will remain in GOP hands despite broader Democratic efforts to reshape California’s congressional map.

Remembered as a Tireless Advocate for Rural California

Colleagues and former staffers described LaMalfa as deeply committed to his constituents and personal relationships. Reade recalled that LaMalfa frequently traveled long distances to attend small community events that mattered to residents of his sprawling district.

“Whether it was a birthday, a family gathering, or a small local organization, he showed up,” Reade said. “He would drive hundreds of miles to be there.”

As Washington awaits further clarity on how Doug LaMalfa died, his death leaves an immediate political impact, and a lasting void in the rural Northern California communities he represented for more than a decade.

Featured image: The Hill

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