California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa has died on the age of 65, in keeping with his workplace — as President Donald Trump, Home Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders reacted Tuesday to the seven-term congressman’s sudden 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 dwelling 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 individuals he served and labored tirelessly to carry the federal government to its phrase to repair our failing forests, construct water storage, and depart individuals to be free to decide on what’s greatest for themselves,” the assertion continued. “His tragic and sudden passing leaves a deep impression on many. He leaves behind his wonderful 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 in regards to the passing of our expensive pal and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” Johnson, R-La., mentioned in a press release. “Doug was a lifelong resident of northern California and deeply cherished its individuals. He was as fierce of a fighter for his state’s huge pure sources and sweetness as now we have ever recognized. We’re mourning the lack of our pal and brother at present 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 not too long ago renamed Kennedy Middle, reacted to LaMalfa’s passing — praising him as “a fierce champion on California water points.”
“Earlier than we go any additional, I wish to categorical our large sorrow on the lack of an important member, an important, nice, nice member: Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Trump mentioned.
“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 total 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 converse to him about — I imply, I by no means had an issue,” Trump mentioned. “And I used to be actually, I used to be actually saddened by his passing and was excited about 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 manner.”
President Donald Trump addresses a Home Republican retreat at The John F. Kennedy Middle 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 individuals 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 objective, from the state legislature to the US 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, mentioned flags on the California State Capitol will likely be flown at half-staff in honor of LaMalfa.
“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a loyal public servant who deeply cherished his nation, his state, and the communities he represented. Whereas we regularly approached points from totally different views, he fought each day for the individuals of California with conviction and care. He will likely be deeply missed,” Newsom mentioned 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 before everything 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 by and thru, spending his time in Congress combating for household farms on agriculture, water, and useful resource points, in addition to working to eradicate authorities waste like California’s high-speed rail,” McCarthy wrote on X. “At all times considerate and affable, Doug was the unanimous selection of his colleagues to steer the Western Caucus in Congress. He will likely be actually missed.”
