Update: 10:35 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

The Sacramento Bee reports that Doug LaMalfa, a Republican member of Congress from northern California, died during surgery early Tuesday at a Chico hospital.

Citing the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, The Bee said that dispatchers received a 911 call from LaMalfa’s home in Richvale at 6:50 p.m. Monday.

Medical personnel then transported the congressman to Chico for care.

“Upon arrival at Enloe Hospital, Congressman LaMalfa was taken into emergency surgery,” according to the sheriff’s statement. “He passed away during the surgical procedure.”

Citing sources, Politico reported that LaMalfa, 65, suffered an aneurysm and heart attack.

President Donald Trump paid tribute to LaMalfa on Tuesday in a speech to congressional Republicans.

“He wasn’t a three-o’clock-in-the-morning person,” Trump said, referring to GOP lawmakers who need presidential convincing on big votes. “With Doug, I never had to call. He was with us right from the beginning.”

 Original Story

Doug LaMalfa, a Republican member of Congress from northern California, has died, House Republican leaders said Tuesday morning.

LaMalfa was 65. The announcement on the House Republicans’ official X account did not specify a time or cause of death.

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Tom Emmer, the Republican whip in the House, described his death as “sudden” in their own tributes to him online.

The Rules for Replacing LaMalfa

Because the vacancy occurred before the closing of the 2026 nomination period, Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to call for a special election.

The law sets a 126-to-140-day timetable to schedule the election, but it could be extended up to 200 days if it overlaps with an existing election. The statewide primary is June 2, 147 days from today.

The election would be contested under pre-Proposition 50 lines.

If Newsom sets the election June 2, a primary runoff would take place, likely March 24. A candidate can win outright by securing a majority in the runoff. If not, the top two candidates would advance to the special general election on June 2.

The winner would serve the remainder of the term through Jan. 3, 2027.

The law covering special election can be found here.

 GOP Mourns LaMalfa’s Passing

“I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” said Corrin Rankin, the state Republican Party chair.

“Doug served Northern California with steady grit, a great sense of humor, and a genuine love for the people he represented. He was widely respected and deeply beloved by those who knew and worked with him. May God comfort his wife Jill, their children Kyle, Allison, Sophia, and Natalie, and give strength to his staff, friends, and all who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson of North Carolina said:

“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California. He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families. Doug brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service.” 

Westlands Pays Tribute LaMalfa

During his time in Congress, LaMalfa championed policies that strengthened water reliability for farms and rural communities across California.

“As a farmer, Congressman LaMalfa understood that water is the lifeblood of the Valley that allows our farmers to feed the nation,” said Allison Febbo, general manager of Fresno-headquartered Westlands Water District. “His commitment to practical solutions and advocacy for growers and rural communities will leave a lasting impact.”

Republicans Down to 218 House Seats

LaMalfa’s death shrinks the Republican House majority to 218-213, with four vacancies.

LaMalfa had been a member of Congress since 2013. He represented a solidly Republican district in northeastern California and was a reliably conservative vote.

However, his district was drastically changed by California’s Democratic-Party driven Proposition 50. These new congressional maps will be used for the 2026 midterms.

(GV Wire’s David Taub contributed to this story.)

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This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

By Victor Mather/Max Whittaker
c. 2025 The New York Times Company