Doug LaMalfa, Republican Congressman From California, Dies at 65
Doug LaMalfa, a prominent Republican congressman representing California's vast northern districts, has died at the age of 65. His passing marks the end of a significant era in California politics, where he served as a voice for rural interests and conservative values in a heavily Democratic state. LaMalfa died on January 6, 2026, according to a statement released by his office, citing complications from a sudden illness that had reportedly been managed privately in recent months. LaMalfa had been a fixture in Washington since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, where he succeeded Representative Tom McClintock in the 1st District, a sprawling territory covering much of the northern half of the state, including the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the Nevada border. Before his tenure in Congress, LaMalfa cut his political teeth in the California State Assembly and later the California State Senate, where he built a reputation as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, a skeptic of climate change legislation, and an advocate for the region's agricultural and resource extraction industries, particularly logging and mining. Colleagues from both sides of the aisle have begun to pay tribute to the late congressman. House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a somber statement, calling LaMalfa "a warrior for rural America and a true patriot who never wavered in his convictions." Johnson noted that LaMalfa’s voice was often one of the most vocal in defending property rights and opposing federal overreach, particularly concerning land management by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. California Governor Gavin Newsom also acknowledged LaMalfa’s service, stating, "Regardless of our political differences, Doug was deeply committed to the people of Northern California. His work on infrastructure projects and his dedication to his district will be remembered." Despite the congeniality of such statements, LaMalfa’s career was defined by fierce partisan battles. He was an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, serving as a reliable vote for the former president's agenda and frequently appearing on conservative media to defend administration policies. In his final term, LaMalfa remained active on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He was a tireless proponent of wildfire prevention, arguing frequently that the root cause of the state's devastating fire seasons was poor forest management rather than solely climate change. He advocated for increased timber harvesting and the thinning of federal lands to reduce fuel loads, a stance that drew criticism from environmentalists but garnered strong support from his rural constituents. Born in Oakland, California, on July 2, 1960, LaMalfa grew up in the small town of Richvale in Butte County, where his family ran a large rice and almond farm. He often spoke of his upbringing on the farm as the foundation for his conservative values and his understanding of the economy. He attended Yuba College and later graduated from California State University, Chico. Before entering politics, he managed his family’s farm and operated a small aviation business, experiences he frequently cited when arguing for deregulation and lower taxes. Tributes have poured in from local community leaders in Northern California. The Mayor of Redding described LaMalfa as "a friend and a fierce advocate for the North State," highlighting his work in securing federal funds for the reconstruction of the Shasta Dam and improvements to Highway 44. Speculation regarding the succession of his seat has already begun, though his office has asked for privacy during the mourning period. Under California law, Governor Newsom will be responsible for calling a special election to fill the vacancy, a process that will likely trigger a competitive scramble among local Republicans and a spirited challenge from Democrats hoping to flip the seat. However, the district has historically leaned conservative, having been represented by Republicans for decades, suggesting a strong likelihood that the seat will remain in GOP hands. LaMalfa is survived by his wife, Jill, and their four children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with a memorial service likely to be held in his home district. His death leaves a void not only in the California delegation but also among the hardline conservative wing of the Republican party in the House, where he was known as a reliable vote and a principled voice for limited government.
