The death of Republican U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa from California has reduced the GOP’s narrow control of the House to 218-213, House Republican leaders announced on January 6, 2026.
LaMalfa, 65, had served in Congress since 2013.
This change in House composition could affect legislative priorities on issues like energy policy and agriculture, which are key to Texas, the nation’s leading oil producer and a major farming state.
LaMalfa, a seven-term congressman representing California’s 1st District, was a former state lawmaker and rice farmer known for his work on water and forestry issues, according to a statement from House Republican leaders reported by PBS.
He was first elected to Congress in 2012. His death follows Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s decision to vacate her seat on January 5, 2026, further tightening the Republican majority, as noted by The Washington Post.
President Donald Trump lamented LaMalfa’s death, describing him as a “defender of everybody.”
"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/tySLWmchjV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 6, 2026
Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a lifelong resident of northern California and deeply loved its people. He was as fierce of a fighter for his state’s vast natural resources and beauty as we… pic.twitter.com/xYJdwcpp8W
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 6, 2026
LaMalfa’s passing comes amid a busy congressional session, with debates on immigration reform and energy subsidies that could influence Texas policies. The narrowed majority may require more bipartisan cooperation on national issues affecting the state.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will call a special election to fill the vacancy, per state law, as detailed by the Los Angeles Times.
The family or officials have not released the cause of death. Initial reports indicate that he died on January 5, 2026, during or after emergency surgery following a medical emergency at his home, possibly involving an aneurysm and heart attack.
