This doesn’t happen often. But when it does, it’s monumental.
And now this U.S. Congressman’s sudden death rattles Capitol Hill to its core.
California Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dies Suddenly at 65
Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California who had served in Congress since 2013, passed away unexpectedly early Monday at age 65, leaving colleagues and constituents in shock on the first day lawmakers returned from winter recess.
LaMalfa represented the state’s 1st District and chaired the Congressional Western Caucus, focusing on issues like water and forestry that affected rural communities. The cause of death wasn’t immediately disclosed.
His chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, shared in a statement: “Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership [and] kindness to the North State.” The announcement added, “His humor and work effort are legendary – with one reporter once saying he’d look in the back yard of every BBQ just to see if Doug was there visiting.”
Reactions from President Trump and Fellow Lawmakers
President Trump, speaking at a House Republican policy retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Center, paid tribute to LaMalfa, calling him “A fierce champion on California water issues. He was great on water. 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.”
Trump also mentioned Rep. Jim Baird, an 80-year-old Indiana Republican hospitalized after a car crash, saying: “I also want to send our best wishes to Congressman Jim Baird and his wife, who are recovering from a car accident… They are going to be okay but they had a pretty bad accident and we’re praying that they get out of the hospital very quickly.” Baird’s spokesperson noted: “Congressman Baird is in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and he is extraordinarily grateful for everyone’s prayers during this time.”
Other Republicans expressed condolences.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said: “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.”
Rep. Greg Murphy added: “I am deeply stunned and incredibly saddened by the news of my friend Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s passing.” NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson described him as “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,” noting, “I cherished our time serving together on the Agriculture Committee and discussing NASCAR- he was a real gear head and motorsports fan. I will deeply miss my ‘amigo.’”
Broader Implications for House Majority
LaMalfa’s death narrows the GOP’s House majority to 218-213, a slim two-vote edge, following Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s retirement announcement the same day. Baird’s hospitalization adds to challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson.
The 119th Congress has seen nine early departures, including retirements by Reps. Mikie Sherrill, Mark Green, Matt Gaetz, and Mike Waltz, plus prior deaths of former Reps. Sylvester Turner, Raúl Grijalva, and Gerry Connolly. Four House seats are currently vacant, with a Texas runoff on Jan. 31 potentially shifting the balance further.
