(The Hill) — Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represented northern California, has died at 65 years old.
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, confirmed LaMalfa’s death in a statement.
“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,” Hudson said.
He represented the 1st Congressional District in Northern California and first joined Congress in 2013.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) called LaMalfa’s death “sudden” in a post on X.
“Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” he said.
Fellow California GOP Rep. Young Kim remembered him as a “genuinely kind, decent man who treated everyone with warmth and respect. His leadership, friendship, and steady presence will be deeply missed.”
LaMalfa’s death leaves the House with 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, meaning the House can afford no more than two Republican defections on any party-line vote, assuming all members are present and voting.