Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa , a seven-term congressman from Northern California and a close ally of Donald Trump, has died at 65, trimming the GOP’s House majority to 218–213.
Trump said he was “really saddened” by LaMalfa’s passing, praising him as a lawmaker who “voted with me 100% of the time.” A former state legislator and rice farmer, LaMalfa was known for frequent House floor speeches and strong ties to his rural district.
LaMalfa was also recognized for his Christian convictions and social conservatism. He received the True Blue Award from the Family Research Council for supporting pro-life and pro-family legislation, saying, “Faith, family, and freedom are principles that I and most Americans hold dear.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will call a special election to fill the seat. Details of LaMalfa’s death were not immediately disclosed.
