GOP Congressman Doug LaMalfa Dies at 65, California District Mourns 14-Year Representative
Representative Doug LaMalfa, Republican of California, died on January 6th, 2026. He was 65 years old.
LaMalfa represented Californias 1st Congressional District – a sprawling rural territory covering Redding, Chico, and parts of the Sacramento Valley – for 14 years in the House of Representatives. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
A Senior Voice for Rural California
NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson of North Carolina issued a statement honoring LaMalfa as a dedicated public servant. LaMalfa was a senior member of the Republican caucus who served on the House Agriculture Committee, bringing his background as a family farmer to debates over agricultural policy.
In a state dominated by coastal urban centers, LaMalfa was an outspoken voice for Californias interior. Water rights issues – critical to his agricultural constituents who depend on irrigation – were his signature concern. He fought consistently against what he viewed as environmental regulations that prioritized fish over farmers.
From the Rice Fields to Congress
LaMalfa came from an agricultural background. His familys rice farm in Richvale gave him firsthand experience with the challenges facing California farmers. He brought that perspective to Washington, advocating for policies that supported family farms over corporate agriculture.
His conservative voting record reflected his districts politics. The 1st Congressional District is reliably Republican territory – a red island in deep blue California. LaMalfa won his elections comfortably, representing constituents who often felt forgotten by Sacramento and Washington alike.
What Happens Now
Governor Gavin Newsom will call a special election to fill LaMalfas seat. The timing of that election remains to be determined. Given the districts strong Republican lean, the seat is expected to remain in GOP hands.
Colleagues from both parties have paid tributes to LaMalfa. Whatever policy disagreements existed – and there were many – he was widely described as someone who genuinely believed in what he was fighting for. His constituents knew where he stood. In an era of political triangulation, that counted for something.
The 1st District faces an uncertain period without its longtime representative. LaMalfas institutional knowledge and seniority gave rural Northern California a voice that will be difficult to replace. His successor will inherit both his seat and the challenge of advocating for a region that often feels overlooked in state and national politics.
The Sacramento Bee has additional coverage of LaMalfas career and the reaction from California political leaders. The internal Republican dynamics around filling the seat will play out over the coming weeks.
Ray Caldwell covers politics for ReportDoor.
