Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) has passed away. LaMalfa, the chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, was 65. The California Republican’s death tightens the GOP’s House majority to 218-213. “House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. A lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, Congressman LaMalfa spent more than two decades in public service. He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District from 2013 to 2026, serving as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Please join us in praying for Congressman LaMalfa’s wife, kids, and staff,” House GOP officials said. House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. A lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, Congressman LaMalfa spent more than two decades in public service. He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District from… pic.twitter.com/nTFSiEXUlE — House Republicans (@HouseGOP) January 6, 2026 Fox News has more: LaMalfa was known as a champion of conservative causes as well as a kind man to both reporters and his fellow House lawmakers. With his death and the recent resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., House Republicans currently can lose only two votes to still pass anything along party lines. It’s a perilously slim majority as Republicans kick off the second half of the 119th Congress with hopes of passing a second “big, beautiful bill.” LaMalfa’s death appears to have caught a majority of his colleagues by surprise, with tributes pouring out for the late congressman on Tuesday morning. “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,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) 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. pic.twitter.com/NsnxZsp2W3 — Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) January 6, 2026 “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,” President Trump said. Check it out: .@POTUS: "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… our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family." pic.twitter.com/pTuNpCLOFb — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 6, 2026 LaMalfa’s cause of death is currently unknown. CBS News shared further: LaMalfa’s district is one of five GOP-held districts that was redrawn under California’s Proposition 50, which is aimed at making them more favorable Democrats in the midterm elections. Rep. Richard Hudson, a North Carolina Republican, said in a statement that LaMalfa 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. Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, called LaMalfa “a great colleague and friend” who “represented California well for over a decade.” “He will be missed,” Lawler said.