Key Takeaways
- Republican U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California died on January 5, 2026, at the age of 65, after suffering a medical emergency.
- LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District and served in the California State Assembly and State Senate before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012.
- His death reduces the GOP’s majority in the House to 218-213, with the recent resignation of former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green.
- President Donald Trump offered his condolences to LaMalfa’s family and praised LaMalfa for voting with his priorities.
- LaMalfa was a fourth-generation rice farmer and business owner from Northern California and was known for his conservative values and advocacy for rural America.
Introduction to Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Death
Republican U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California died on January 5, 2026, at the age of 65, after suffering a medical emergency at his home. According to a statement from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s deputies responded to LaMalfa’s home at 6:50 p.m. on January 5 for a report of a medical emergency. LaMalfa was taken to Enloe Hospital in Chico, California, where he died during surgery. A cause of death was not immediately released. LaMalfa’s death has sent shockwaves through the political community, with many of his colleagues and friends offering their condolences to his family.
LaMalfa’s Political Career and Legacy
LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District, which stretches from the Oregon border down through Shasta, Butte, and Yuba counties, and includes the cities of Redding and areas north of Sacramento. He served in the California State Assembly and State Senate before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. LaMalfa was known for his conservative values and advocacy for rural America. As a fourth-generation rice farmer and business owner from Northern California, LaMalfa attended local schools and grew up learning the value of hard work and community service. His online congressional bio highlights his commitment to serving his constituents and promoting the interests of Northern California.
Reactions to LaMalfa’s Death
President Donald Trump offered his condolences to LaMalfa’s family during a speech on January 6 to House Republicans. Trump praised LaMalfa for voting with his priorities and noted that he never had to call LaMalfa to persuade him to approve legislation. "I was really saddened by his passing," Trump said. "Our hearts go out to his wife Jill and his entire family." House Democrats also acknowledged LaMalfa’s passing and held a moment of silence at an unofficial hearing on the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, riot inside the Capitol. Many of LaMalfa’s colleagues, including Rep. Tom Emmer and Rep. Richard Hudson, released statements praising LaMalfa’s service and offering their condolences to his family.
LaMalfa’s Recent Statements and Actions
In the days leading up to his death, LaMalfa had been active on social media, praising the Trump administration’s attack on Venezuela. On January 3, LaMalfa wrote on X, "Today’s surgical strike was an amazing display of American military power and precision. I am grateful no Americans were lost in the operation." LaMalfa’s statement reflected his strong support for the Trump administration’s foreign policy actions and his commitment to promoting American interests abroad. LaMalfa’s death has raised questions about the future of his congressional seat and the potential impact on the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
Impact on the Balance of Power in the House
LaMalfa’s death reduces the GOP’s majority in the House to 218-213, with the recent resignation of former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green. This shift in the balance of power could have significant implications for the legislative agenda and the ability of the Republican Party to pass its priorities. As the House of Representatives adjusts to the loss of LaMalfa, his colleagues and constituents will be watching to see how his legacy is honored and how his seat is filled in the coming months. LaMalfa’s death is a reminder of the importance of public service and the impact that individual leaders can have on their communities and the country as a whole.