WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Doug LaMalfa, a seven-term U.S. Rep. from California, has died, Republican officials said Tuesday. He is 65 years old.
His death, confirmed by Majority Whip Tom Emmer and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, reduces already slim Republican control of the House to 218 seats, compared with 213 for Democrats.
Details surrounding LaMalfa’s death are unclear.
LaMalfa represents Northern California’s 1st District, which stretches along the Oregon border, including Redding, and just north of Sacramento. He plans to run for re-election even though his district was significantly redrawn under a ballot measure passed by California voters in November. The measure, backed by Democrats, is intended to make it more difficult for LaMalfa and four other Republicans to win re-election.
“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California,” said Hudson. “He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers and working families. Courage, authenticity and conviction filled everything Doug did in public service.”
LaMalfa is a former state legislator and rice farmer. He was first elected to Congress in 2012.
He was a frequent presence on the House floor, helping Republican leadership open the chamber and offering his views on local and national matters.
C-SPAN said in a recent compilation that he made at least one set of remarks that were documented over a period of 81 days through 2025. Only two other members spoke on the House floor more frequently than he did.
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Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey