> At a Glance
> – Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), 65, died Tuesday, leaving House Republicans with a slim 218-213 majority.
> – LaMalfa, a seven-term lawmaker and rice farmer, backed Trump’s agenda without exception.
> – Gov. Gavin Newsom must call a special election; the seat could remain empty until the June 2026 primary.
> – Why it matters: Every vacant seat tightens GOP control, complicating passage of party-line legislation.
The death of Doug LaMalfa, a reliably pro-Trump congressman from Northern California, has narrowed House Republicans’ already thin majority and triggered a special-election timeline that could stretch into next summer.
A Consistent Trump Vote
LaMalfa cast his ballots alongside the former president 100 percent of the time, according to Trump, who addressed House Republicans shortly after learning of the congressman’s death.
> “With Doug, I never had to call,” President Trump said. “He wasn’t a 3 a.m. person, but he voted with me 100 percent of the time.”
The president considered canceling his speech to the GOP conference but decided to proceed, saying LaMalfa “would have wanted it that way.”
From Rice Fields to the House Floor
Before Congress, LaMalfa farmed rice and served in California’s state legislature. Since first winning a House seat in 2012, he:
- Helped GOP leaders open the chamber each session
- Spoke on the floor on 81 separate days in 2025, per C-SPAN-only two lawmakers exceeded that tally
- Championed rural issues, farmers, and working families
> “He was never afraid to fight for rural communities,” said NRCC Chair Richard Hudson, praising the congressman’s “grit, authenticity, and conviction.”
Redrawn District & Special Election
LaMalfa represented the vast 1st District, running along the Oregon border and anchored by Redding. A Democratic-backed redistricting measure-approved by voters in November-reshaped the boundaries to make reelection tougher for him and four other Republicans.
Under state law, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom must schedule a special election, but the contest could be consolidated with the June 2026 primary, leaving the seat open for months.
Tributes Across Party Lines
At a Capitol event marking the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries paused for a moment of silence in LaMalfa’s honor.
> “He would show up at the smallest events,” recalled former staffer David Reade, citing birthdays, family gatherings, and local meetings hundreds of miles from the congressman’s home. “He was committed to his district and proud of his family and Christian faith.”
Key Takeaways
- House GOP margin slips to 218-213, heightening pressure for near-unanimity on party votes
- Trump loses a loyal ally who never required late-night lobbying
- Newsom controls the special-election calendar; timing could delay replacement until mid-2026
- Bipartisan tributes underscore LaMalfa’s local focus and consistent conservatism
