Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican who represented Northern California in Congress for more than a decade and built his political career around agriculture and water policy, has died at age 65, his office announced Tuesday. No cause of death has been released.
LaMalfa’s chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, confirmed the news early Tuesday morning, saying, “Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership kindness to the North State.” The statement added that LaMalfa was deeply committed to his constituents, noting that “Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply for the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word to fix our failing forests, build water storage, and leave people to be free to choose what is best for themselves.”
President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged LaMalfa’s passing during a House Republican retreat at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. “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, as you probably have heard,” Trump said. He praised LaMalfa’s leadership of the Congressional Western Caucus and his focus on water policy, calling him a “true defender of American children” and adding, “He voted with me 100% of the time.”
LaMalfa had served California’s 1st Congressional District since 2013 and previously held seats in the state Assembly and Senate. A fourth-generation rice farmer, he was widely known for his advocacy on water access, forest management, and rural issues. In Congress, he served on the Agriculture Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, while also chairing the Western Caucus.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said that “Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” describing him as one of the strongest defenders of California’s natural resources. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., also paid tribute, writing that “Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America.”
Democratic leaders offered condolences as well. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., remembered LaMalfa as a dedicated public servant, stating, “A fourth-generation rice farmer, Rep. LaMalfa treasured his community, worked powerfully to protect California’s farmers and served those he represented with principled purpose, from the state legislature to the United States House of Representatives.” Jeffries later honored him with a moment of silence during a House hearing.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state Capitol flown at half-staff, calling LaMalfa a committed representative who fought for his district even when they disagreed politically. Under California law, Gov. Newsom has 14 days to call a special election to fill LaMalfa’s seat, with the vote required to take place within 140 days of the announcement. The race will unfold amid newly adopted congressional maps that make the district more competitive for Democrats.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who shared a long personal friendship with LaMalfa dating back to their time as roommates in the state legislature, said he was “devastated” by the loss. In a post on X, McCarthy wrote, “Doug was first and foremost a devoted husband and father, inspired by his Christian faith and values to make the lives of others better.” He added that LaMalfa was unanimously chosen by colleagues to lead the Western Caucus and would be “truly missed.”
LaMalfa’s death further tightens Republicans’ narrow control of the House. With his passing and the recent resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Republicans now hold 218 seats to Democrats’ 213, leaving Speaker Johnson with little room for defections. Two additional vacancies—one in Texas heading to a runoff later this month and another in New Jersey scheduled for a spring special election—could further alter the balance.
LaMalfa is survived by his wife, Jill, four children, one grandchild, and extended family.
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