Shock and sadness swept across California and the nation this week as news broke of the sudden death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a stalwart advocate for Northern California’s rural communities and a fixture in Republican politics for over two decades. LaMalfa, 65, died Monday evening, January 5, 2026, after being rushed from his residence to Enloe Medical Center in Chico, where he underwent emergency surgery. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his passing early Tuesday morning, describing the loss as both tragic and unexpected. An autopsy is underway to determine the precise cause of death, but no details have yet been released.
LaMalfa’s chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, issued a heartfelt statement: “Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership and kindness to the North State.” The congressman is survived by his wife, Jill; their four children, Kyle, Allison, Sophia, and Natalie; one grandchild; two sisters; and a large extended family.
LaMalfa’s death has reverberated through the halls of Congress and beyond, prompting a flood of tributes from colleagues, constituents, and leaders across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump, speaking at a gathering of House Republicans at the Kennedy Center, expressed his sorrow: “I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member, a great, great, great member, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday, as you probably have heard.” Trump went on to praise LaMalfa’s unwavering support, saying, “He was the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues. He was great on water. He was a true defender of American children. He was a defender of everybody. And our hearts go out to his wife, Jill, and his entire family. He voted with me 100% of the time.”
Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., echoed the sentiment in a social media post: “Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.” National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson remembered LaMalfa as a close friend and a passionate motorsports fan, recalling, “He was a real gearhead and motorsports fan. I will deeply miss my ‘amigo.’”
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state Capitol and Capitol Annex to be flown at half-staff in LaMalfa’s honor. In a statement, Newsom reflected on their political differences but praised LaMalfa’s dedication: “Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented. While we often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day for the people of California with conviction and care.”
LaMalfa’s career was defined by his tireless advocacy for rural interests, particularly in agriculture, water infrastructure, and forest management. A fourth-generation rice farmer from Richvale, LaMalfa earned a degree in agribusiness from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then served in the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008 and the State Senate from 2010 to 2012. He was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing California’s sprawling 1st District, which includes Chico, Redding, and Yuba City. He chaired the influential House Western Caucus, a group focused on public lands, natural resources, and rural policy.
Colleagues and constituents often remarked on LaMalfa’s accessibility and work ethic. He was a familiar presence at community events and routinely traveled the length of his district to meet with voters, local officials, and business owners. His office highlighted his reputation for holding government agencies accountable and his hands-on approach to constituent service. Assemblymember James Gallagher, R-East Nicolaus, called LaMalfa a mentor and said he was “in shock.” Gallagher added, “There was no one who took the job of ‘representative’ more seriously than Doug. He traversed the district, going to every dinner and community event. He demanded answers from bureaucrats. He pushed hard for the things his people needed.”
LaMalfa’s legislative record reflected his deep roots in the region’s agricultural community. He was instrumental in securing federal funding for a variety of local projects, including the Veterans Memorial Park in Oroville, the Cohasset Road Widening and Fire Safety Project, the Palermo Drinking Water Project, and significant investments in public safety communications, fire protection, and roadside vegetation management. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office credited his advocacy with long-lasting benefits for the region, stating, “His efforts will continue to benefit our communities for years to come.”
LaMalfa’s conservative credentials were impeccable—he scored a perfect 100% from National Right to Life and an 87% from Americans for Prosperity last year, with a lifetime 76% from the Heritage Foundation. Yet, he also demonstrated a bipartisan streak, especially when his district’s interests were at stake. Just weeks before his passing, he joined colleagues from both parties in urging the Interior Department to reconsider job cuts in national parks affecting his district.
His sudden death comes at a tumultuous time in Washington. With the GOP’s razor-thin House majority now reduced to 218 seats, Speaker Mike Johnson faces new challenges in steering legislation through a sharply divided chamber. LaMalfa’s passing, along with the recent resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, means Republicans can only afford to lose two votes on any measure. Special elections are expected to fill the resulting vacancies, but redistricting in California has further complicated the political landscape. Proposition 50, passed in November, redrew congressional lines, making LaMalfa’s former district more competitive for Democrats. However, his replacement will be chosen under the old lines, likely favoring a Republican, given LaMalfa’s commanding 65% reelection margin in 2024.
Remembrances poured in from both sides of the aisle. California GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin described LaMalfa as serving “Northern California with steady grit, a great sense of humor, and a genuine love for the people he represented.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said, “Rep. LaMalfa treasured his community, worked powerfully to protect California’s farmers and served those he represented with principled purpose, from the state legislature to the United States House of Representatives.”
LaMalfa’s passing leaves a void not only in his district but also in the broader conversation about the future of rural America, agricultural policy, and bipartisan cooperation in Congress. As the investigation into his cause of death continues and plans for a special election take shape, his legacy of service and advocacy will remain a touchstone for those he leaves behind.
