The Liberty Daily 
(DCNF)—Republican California Rep. Doug LaMalfa died at 65 on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
LaMalfa represented the Golden State’s 1st congressional district since 2013 and chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. His district was one of the GOP-held seats gerrymandered to become significantly more Democratic in 2025 by California’s Proposition 50.
LaMalfa was a fourth-generation rice farmer and previously served in the California State Assembly. In both federal and state politics, he had prioritized agricultural issues, water access and wildfire prevention.
“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Majority Whip Tom Emmer said in a statement on Tuesday morning. “Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”
The lawmaker’s death now leaves the House Republicans with 218 seats compared with Democrats’ 213.
“I am deeply stunned and incredibly saddened by the news of my friend Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s passing,” Republican North Carolina Rep. Greg Murphy said on social media. “First and foremost, may God grant his family, friends, staff and other loved ones His peace and understanding during this incredibly difficult time. I mourn his loss and will greatly miss his friendship, immense kindness, warmth and dedication to service of others.”
LaMalfa’s cause of death is currently unknown.
LaMalfa, who had represented a heavily Republican district, was running for reelection in a seat redrawn to favor Democrats against Democratic California Senate President pro tempore Mike McGuire. After the Republican’s death, Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has two weeks to call a special election. While a special election to complete LaMalfa’s term will occur under the current GOP-leaning lines, the regularly scheduled November election for the 1st congressional district will take place with the new Prop 50 lines in full effect.
