Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dies, GOP House Control Shrinks to 218-213/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California has died at age 65, further narrowing the GOP’s slim House majority. LaMalfa was a conservative voice for rural California and planned to run again in 2026. His death leaves Republicans with 218 seats to Democrats’ 213 in the House.
Doug LaMalfa’s Death: Quick Looks
- Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California has died at 65
- His death narrows GOP House majority to 218-213
- Details about his death have not been made public
- LaMalfa represented California’s rural, conservative 1st District
- He planned to seek reelection despite redistricting changes
- The redistricting ballot measure was backed by Democrats
- Known as a vocal advocate for agriculture and rural issues
- Regular presence on the House floor; spoke 81 days in 2025
- First elected in 2012 after a career in state politics and farming
- His passing could spark a special election in a redrawn district
Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dies, GOP House Control Shrinks to 218-213
Deep Look
Representative Doug LaMalfa, a seven-term Republican congressman from California, has died at the age of 65, GOP leaders confirmed Tuesday. His unexpected death not only marks the loss of a prominent voice for Northern California’s conservative and agricultural communities but also has immediate political consequences, narrowing the GOP’s control of the U.S. House of Representatives to 218-213.
Majority Whip Tom Emmer and National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson confirmed LaMalfa’s passing in official statements, though the cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed. LaMalfa, who had been preparing for another reelection campaign in 2026, was considered a reliable conservative within the Republican conference and a staunch defender of rural and working-class interests.
LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District, which stretches along the Oregon border and includes communities like Redding, as well as parts of northern and northeastern California. A lifelong rice farmer and former state legislator, LaMalfa became a well-known figure in Congress after his first election win in 2012. His district, though reliably Republican, had recently undergone significant changes due to redistricting reforms passed by California voters in 2025. The new map, backed by Democratic interests, was designed to make reelection more difficult for several Republican incumbents, including LaMalfa.
Despite the redrawn district boundaries, LaMalfa had announced his intention to run again, embracing the challenge as an opportunity to continue representing the communities he long championed. His political identity was deeply tied to his agricultural background and his rural roots, which made him a strong advocate on issues such as water rights, farming policy, and economic development in underserved areas.
“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California,” said NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson. “He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families. Doug brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service.”
Colleagues often praised LaMalfa for his persistent presence in congressional proceedings. In 2025, he spoke on the House floor at least 81 times, according to C-SPAN data — a frequency surpassed by only two other lawmakers. Whether weighing in on local disasters, national economic issues, or rural development, LaMalfa’s speeches were often brief but forceful, underscoring his belief that the voices of small towns and farm communities deserved a place in national debate.
His death immediately impacts the balance of power in the House, where Republicans already held only a narrow majority. With the chamber now standing at 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, the margin for passing GOP-led legislation becomes even slimmer. His vacant seat may prompt a special election in the coming months — one that could test the Republican Party’s ability to hold onto districts affected by redistricting efforts intended to favor Democrats.
LaMalfa’s legacy will likely be remembered for his deep connection to his constituents, his unwavering conservative values, and his active legislative engagement. As a farmer who brought real-world experience to policy debates, he served as a bridge between Washington’s politics and the practical needs of everyday Americans in rural California.
His passing leaves a void in both the GOP caucus and in Northern California politics, where his voice had been a consistent presence for more than a decade. Details about memorial services or a potential successor have not yet been announced.
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