California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa has died on the age of 65, in accordance with his workplace — as President Donald Trump, Home Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders reacted Tuesday to the seven-term congressman’s surprising demise.
LaMalfa’s chief of workers, Mark Spannagel, launched a press release on behalf of the congressman’s workplace confirming his demise early Tuesday morning.
“Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned residence to the Lord. He leaves an enduring legacy of servant management [and] kindness to the North State,” the assertion famous. “His humor and work effort are legendary – with one reporter as soon as saying he’d look within the again yard of each BBQ simply to see if Doug was there visiting.”
“Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply for the folks he served and labored tirelessly to carry the federal government to its phrase to repair our failing forests, construct water storage, and go away folks to be free to decide on what’s finest for themselves,” the assertion continued. “His tragic and surprising passing leaves a deep impression on many. He leaves behind his superb spouse Jill, 4 kids, one grandchild, two sisters and a number of cousins.”
Rep. Doug LaMalfa speaks on the ground of the Home of Representatives on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 23, 2020.
Home Tv by way of AP
LaMalfa’s premature demise cuts into Speaker Johnson’s skinny majority, with 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats leaving GOP leaders with a two-vote margin. This comes only a day after Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from workplace a yr earlier than her time period was set to run out.
“Congress is devastated to study this morning concerning the passing of our pricey pal and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” Johnson, R-La., stated in a press release. “Doug was a lifelong resident of northern California and deeply beloved its folks. He was as fierce of a fighter for his state’s huge pure assets and sweetness as we’ve got ever recognized. We’re mourning the lack of our pal and brother at this time and we ship our respects for his life and work to his spouse Jill and the LaMalfa household throughout this tough time.”
President Trump, talking Tuesday morning at a Home Republican retreat on the just lately renamed Kennedy Heart, reacted to LaMalfa’s passing — praising him as “a fierce champion on California water points.”
“Earlier than we go any additional, I wish to specific our super sorrow on the lack of an awesome member, an awesome, nice, nice member: Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Trump stated.
“He was nice on water. He needed to launch the water, he’d scream out, and a real defender of American kids. He was a defender of all people. And our hearts exit to his spouse, Jill and his whole household,” Trump added.
The president claimed that LaMalfa voted with him “100% of the time” and wasn’t a member that the speaker wanted the president to whip into line.
“I spoke to Doug, however I did not communicate to him about — I imply, I by no means had an issue,” Trump stated. “And I used to be actually, I used to be actually saddened by his passing and was occupied with not even doing the speech in his honor. However then I made a decision that I’ve to do it in his honor. I will do it in his honor, as a result of he would have needed it that method.”
President Donald Trump addresses a Home Republican retreat at The John F. Kennedy Heart for the Performing Arts, January 6, 2026 in Washington.
Alex Wong/Getty Photographs
Throughout the aisle, Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, who took workplace in 2013 alongside LaMalfa, prolonged his condolences to the congressman’s household and constituents.
“I be a part of folks throughout Northern California in mourning the premature passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. A fourth-generation rice farmer, Rep. LaMalfa treasured his group, labored powerfully to guard California’s farmers and served these he represented with principled goal, from the state legislature to america Home of Representatives,” Jeffries, D-N.Y., acknowledged. “Doug and I joined the Congress as classmates in 2013, and it was an honor to witness firsthand his ardour and private resolve for greater than a decade.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, stated flags on the California State Capitol can be flown at half-staff in honor of LaMalfa.
“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a loyal public servant who deeply beloved his nation, his state, and the communities he represented. Whereas we frequently approached points from completely different views, he fought day by day for the folks of California with conviction and care. He can be deeply missed,” Newsom stated in a press release.
Earlier than coming to Washington, former Home Speaker Kevin McCarthy not solely served within the California state legislature with LaMalfa — the 2 have been roommates.
“Doug was at first a loyal husband and father, impressed by his Christian religion and values to make the lives of others higher. Many will keep in mind him as a principled legislator, however he was additionally a commonsense rice farmer via and thru, spending his time in Congress preventing for household farms on agriculture, water, and useful resource points, in addition to working to get rid of authorities waste like California’s high-speed rail,” McCarthy wrote on X. “All the time considerate and affable, Doug was the unanimous alternative of his colleagues to steer the Western Caucus in Congress. He can be really missed.”
