California Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dies Suddenly at 65 in the Midst of Redistricting Drama, Shrinking GOP’s Razor-Thin House Margin

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican congressman from California, has died. He was 65.

The Hill and The Associated Press reported LaMalfa’s death, citing confirmation from House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson.

Emmer mourned LaMalfa on X, calling his death a “sudden loss” and saying he was “devastated” by the news.

“Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” he wrote. “Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”

Hudson also issued a statement, saying, “Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California. 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.”

LaMalfa’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. NBC News reported that he “appeared in good spirits, joking with his colleagues and reporters” before Congress took a holiday break.

LaMalfa represented Northern California’s 1st District and had planned to run for reelection, even after his district was affected by Proposition 50 — a measure passed by California voters in November 2025 that altered the state’s U.S. House map.

The redistricting effort was intended to flip conservative House seats in the upcoming midterm elections, and was described as California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s counter to President Donald Trump’s redistricting campaign in Texas.

After LaMalfa’s death, the House stands at 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats. That leaves Republicans with a narrower working margin; if all members are present and voting, they can afford to lose only two GOP votes on a party-line measure.

There are now four open seats in the House. One was recently forfeited by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday, Jan. 5. Another was previously held by Rep. Sylvester Turner in Texas and will be filled in a runoff election on Jan. 31. A third was vacated by Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who was elected governor of New Jersey in November 2025; her seat will be filled in an April 16 special election.

LaMalfa’s death could trigger a special election for his seat, though Republicans may face a tougher path in the 1st District after Proposition 50 passed. The new maps created under the proposition are set to take effect this fall.

LaMalfa was a fourth-generation rice farmer who entered state politics in 2002, when he won a seat in the California State Assembly. He later served in the state Senate from 2010 to 2012 before being elected to Congress.

In a biography on his website, LaMalfa is described as “a strong advocate for limited, constitutionally grounded government, fiscal restraint, and lower taxes.” The bio also outlines his governing philosophy:

“Doug LaMalfa’s firm beliefs are that government should do no harm, and that limited government means government should do only what people cannot do for themselves, in the most efficient manner possible,” it reads.