A Republican lawmaker has confirmed that Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., passed away suddenly at the age of 65. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., confirmed LaMalfa’s passing in a post on X.
LaMalfa was serving his seventh term representing a rural district in northeast California. The fourth-generation rice farmer sat on committees for Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure.
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Reactions to his death
President Donald Trump said he had “tremendous sorrow” over LaMalfa’s death during a meeting with House Republicans, according to The Associated Press. Trump said that LaMalfa “wasn’t a 3 o’clock in the morning person” like other lawmakers whom Trump would have to call early in the morning to get their votes.
“He voted with me 100% of the time,” Trump said. “With Doug, I never had to call.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., held a moment of silence in honor of LaMalfa at the beginning of a panel commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. 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. pic.twitter.com/NsnxZsp2W3
— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) January 6, 2026
Those close to LaMalfa told Politico that they had not known of any health issues he had. Many were shocked to hear about his sudden passing Tuesday morning.
“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Emmer wrote in his post. “Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America.”
Who will replace LaMalfa?
LaMalfa’s death puts the Republican House majority at 218-213. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., can now only afford to lose two votes on any party-line vote if all members are present.
LaMalfa’s district was redrawn by California’s redistricting, which gave Democrats full control of the state. However, he planned to still run for reelection.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom must call a special election to replace LaMalfa. That could happen as late as June when California holds its 2026 midterm election primary.
