MENDOCINO CO., 1/6/25 – Reactions are pouring in from national, state and local leaders following the death of U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale.
The National Republican Congressional Committee announced Tuesday that LaMalfa had died. His office later confirmed his death, calling it “tragic and unexpected.”
According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, LaMalfa was transported to Enloe Medical Center in Chico on Monday evening for an undisclosed medical emergency. He was undergoing emergency surgery when he died. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
What LaMalfa’s death means for Northern California
LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District, a vast and largely rural region encompassing 10 counties in northeastern California, including the cities of Chico, Redding and Yuba City.
His death further narrows the Republicans’ control of the U.S. House of Representatives to 218 seats, compared with Democrats’ 213.
It also raises into question who will ultimately represent the 1st District, which was already set to change due to Proposition 50, a voter-approved redistricting measure expected to reshape several Northern California congressional seats ahead of the 2026 elections.
Under the proposed map, the 1st District would lose conservative strongholds like Redding and Modoc County, while gaining more Democratic-leaning areas like parts of Sonoma and inland Mendocino County, including Hopland, Leggett, Piercy, Boonville, Willits, Ukiah, Laytonville and Covelo.
The California Republican Party has challenged the new maps in federal court, and the case is awaiting a decision from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
LaMalfa was up for reelection this fall, facing five Democratic challengers, according to Ballotpedia, including state Senate Leader Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg.
McGuire expressed condolences on social media, calling public service “a noble calling, regardless of party.”
“Congressman LaMalfa’s dedication to serving the people of California deserves recognition, respect and gratitude,” he said. “Our prayers are with his family and the communities he has proudly served.”
LaMalfa’s death leaves the district without a representative. According to state law, Gov. Gavin Newsom must within 14 days call for a special election to fill the seat, and the election would occur at least 126 but not more than 140 days after the governor’s proclamation. That timeframe would likely line up with California’s 2026 primary elections in June.
The winner would serve the remainder of LaMalfa’s term, which ends in January 2027.
It also puts into question congressional influence over the Potter Valley Project. LaMalfa was an outspoken critic of the proposed dismantling of the project, but opposed retaining the Scott and Cape Horn dams without a replacement plan. He only recently began speaking out more about the project, given he was hoping to earn the vote of the Mendocino County communities directly impacted by it.
Colleagues across parties react
LaMalfa worked closely with many Mendocino and Bay Area lawmakers during his time in Congress.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, D-Fairfield, described LaMalfa as a close friend and colleague, pointing to years of collaboration on water infrastructure investments and watershed protections in the Sacramento Valley.
“I’m certainly going to miss him,” Garamendi said, “We traveled together every week, back and forth on the same plane for nearly fifteen years, and our friendship deepened as did our work for the betterment of the Sacramento Valley.”
Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, called LaMalfa’s death “shocking and sad.” Huffman served with LaMalfa on the House Committee of Natural Resources. He currently represents Mendocino County in Congress. If Prop. 50 stands, he will only represent the Mendocino Coast.
“Although we had profound differences, I always admired his dedication to his family and community. I appreciated his sense of humor, and despite our differences, we were able to remind each other that it wasn’t personal,” Huffman said in a statement. “This is a big loss, and my heart goes out to all who love him.”
Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Santa Cruz, who worked with LaMalfa on agriculture and wildfire-related legislation, said LaMalfa was “always willing to work across the aisle.”
“Doug will be missed in California and in Congress,” Panetta said, “But his legacy of working to get stuff done for our constituents will remain.”
U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California, said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a man he called a friend and partner.
President Donald Trump also offered condolences Tuesday morning while speaking to Republican lawmakers, calling LaMalfa a friend and a “fantastic person.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom called LaMalfa a “devoted public servant” and ordered flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff in LaMalfa’s honor.
Since a “Special Election” costs millions; it seems more appropriate to appoint someone and consolidate it into the next state election in November. I don’t know if we hold a Special Election now for District 1 if we would also have another election for District 1 in November but, that wouldn’t seem fiscally wise or efficient.
Do you mean to say, to save time and money just have Governor Newsom appoint a Democrat and be done with it?
Everyone knows Prop 50 was designed to favor Democrat incumbents—putting those politicians back in charge of redrawing their own districts, and making it more difficult for a Republican challenger to remove them. So why even have an election? Why pretend California has representative government, and not a one-party system?
And why is that so bad, Dave?
Ref. Stooge: I suppose it is all good if it is your party, your candidate, is the one who always wins. You are not alone. From Russia to Venezuela, from India to Bangladesh, from Georgia to Rwanda, rigged elections in various nations ruled by authoritarian regimes have been marred by electoral fraud and voter intimidation or suppression. And so, if you don’t mind a “sham” election, and do not have any strong feelings for Democracy, then sure, be happy.
Seem ironic CA voted for Prop 50 by over 60%. Pretty decisive popularity for voters in CA. Sounds like Democracy is working in CA.
If you actually like the direction California is headed in by all means, keep voting party-line Democrat. Don’t think about it, just look for the big “D” on the voting ballot, and like many Californians you will get that “warm, collective feeling.” However, towards the end of this year when gasoline is $8 per gallon, your taxes have gone up, and nothing else has changed or gotten better, just remember what you are saying now!
Did you ever consider maybe the GOP may be unpopular in CA? Do you only like Democracy when it works in your favor? The Democrats are more tolerated in CA compared to the alternative party since we are stuck with the duopoly choice. I mean no “Democrat” showed up to the Capitol to start an insurrection after Trump won the election in 2024 or in 2016. I can’t say the same for the other dominant party faction in the prior presidential election of 2020. I suggest moving to a state you may actually like. You have 49 other states to choose from.
I was born here and grew up here. Once upon a time, you could proudly say, “I’m a Californian.” Now, that would get a laugh or smirk anywhere in the rest of the country.
I would like to see the state return to what it once was; prosperous, the standard of living was high, people were optimistic about the future. I think if an Independent or Republican became Governor and chose to work with the Trump Administration instead of fighting it every day, that good things would start to come to the state on Day One. However, the Legislature would have to wise up to make deep and lasting changes. It can happen. It is possible. I’m talking to readers here, not just Stooge. When voters have had enough you can turn this ship around. Make California Great Again!
Dave, the GOP hold all three branches of govt. It still isn’t enough for you is it?
Nostalgia is a delusion and I think you need to take off the MAGA coated glasses and smell the shit you folks have taken on top of this country. Remember the Internet is forever and all you supposed MAGA patroits will need to live lives beyond this short constipated chapter of this country’s history.
Democrats hold a supermajority in both the state Senate and Assembly and hold every statewide office in California, including the governorship.
Meanwhile, California now leads the nation in poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. California electricity rates are double the national average. California’s gas prices and taxes remain the highest in the continental U.S. California has the largest unfunded liability debt in the nation, approaching $270 billion. We have the costliest home prices and food prices. And the result? We have the largest number of people fleeing a state.
If you prefer a sick California to a well one, keep playing the game.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love CA to solve these problems. Listing problems with each state won’t change people’s vote. The GOP has plenty of states with super majorities and some of these same states have the highest poverty rates in the country. The GOP states tend to take more from the federal tax base than they give. The GOP track record with debt is also pretty bad too let alone the blatant racism and unnecessary tax breaks for the richest Americans in the country. All I’ll say is LaMalfa’s passing is another stroke closer to Trump becoming a lame duck president and the beginning of the end for his rein.
Appointments to fill Congressional seats isn’t done. Anywhere. What will be interesting is if the Congressional maps that currently define the 1st District will be the one used for the special election to fill out the remainder of the term. If that is done on the same ballot as the primary election with newly approved district boundaries, then it could be that not everyone who votes in the special election will have the ability to vote in the primary and vice versa. So you could have someone go to Congress in June who would be a lame duck before being sworn in.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love CA to solve these problems. Listing problems with each state won’t change people’s vote. The GOP has plenty of states with super majorities and some of these same states have the highest poverty rates in the country. The GOP states tend to take more from the federal tax base than they give. The GOP track record with debt is also pretty bad too let alone the blatant racism and unnecessary tax breaks for the richest Americans in the country. All I’ll say is LaMalfa’s passing is another stroke closer to Trump becoming a lame duck president and the beginning of the end for his rein.
Okay then. Keep playing the Red Team vs the Blue Team game.
I’m moving on, choosing to be Independent is a growing movement in California and I want to be a part of it.
Dave – You should argue for the ranked choice voting and financial reforms on campaign finance. Abolish super-pacs and corporations from financing politicians, and cap how much any individual can donate to any one candidate.