Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 65, according to a statement from his chief of staff, Mark Spannagel. LaMalfa, a fourth-generation rice farmer from Northern California, was known for his work on agriculture and forestry policy during his time in Congress.
“Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord,” said Spannagel. “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.” The office did not specify a cause of death but described it as “unexpected.”
LaMalfa’s passing further reduces the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Following Monday’s resignation of Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republicans now hold a 218-213 edge in the chamber, with two Democratic and two Republican vacancies.
Tributes were made by members across party lines. President Donald Trump commented at a House Republicans’ retreat in Washington that he was “really saddened” by the news and called LaMalfa a “fantastic person.” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer described him as “a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America.” North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson said LaMalfa was a “principled conservative” who “was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families [and] brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service.” California Rep. Young Kim remembered him as a “genuinely kind, decent man who treated everyone with warmth and respect.” Senator Adam B. Schiff noted that LaMalfa was “deeply committed to his community and constituents, working to make life better for those he represented.”
LaMalfa began representing California’s 1st District after being elected in 2012. The district covers a large rural area from Sacramento’s northern suburbs up to Oregon’s border, including Chico, Redding, and Yuba City. Recent redistricting changed the political makeup of the district; while it had been solidly Republican—Donald Trump won it by 25 points in 2024—the new boundaries would have favored Kamala Harris by 12 points.
At the time of his death, LaMalfa faced several Democratic challengers ahead of upcoming elections. Under state law, Governor Gavin Newsom has two weeks to schedule a special election to fill the vacancy. The election must occur between 126 and 140 days after the seat becomes vacant and will use current district lines rather than newly drawn ones.
During his tenure in Congress, LaMalfa served as chair of both the Congressional Western Caucus—which addresses rural issues—and the Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture. He also held positions on Transportation and Natural Resources committees.
A strong supporter of small government policies focused on forest management reform after major wildfires affected his district—including using footage from the aftermath of the Dixie fire in 2021 for Republican messaging—LaMalfa advocated for reducing regulatory barriers related to land management.
LaMalfa entered politics through local party volunteer work before serving nearly ten years in California’s legislature prior to joining Congress.
He is survived by his wife Jill, four children, and one grandchild. Spannagel stated: “His tragic and unexpected passing leaves a deep impact on many.”
There are currently four vacancies in the House—two each for Democrats and Republicans—with special elections scheduled or pending in Texas’ 18th District (January), New Jersey (April), Georgia (date not set), as well as California following LaMalfa’s death.
