Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) died on Jan. 5 at the age of 65.

“I want to express our tremendous sorrow [at the] the loss of a great member, great, great, great member, Congressman, Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday, as you probably have heard,” President Donald Trump said in front of House GOP lawmakers at a retreat in Washington on Jan. 6.

Trump noted that LaMalfa was the leader of the Western Caucus and “a fierce champion on California water issues” and “a true defender of American children.”

LaMalfa represented California’s First Congressional District and was first elected to Congress in 2012.

LaMalfa’s death reduces the GOP majority in the House to 218 seats, while the Democrats hold 213 seats.

LaMalfa introduced a bill in 2023 to prohibit school employees from conducting gender-transition interventions on students without parents’ knowledge or consent.

Members of Congress paid tribute to LaMalfa.

“Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement.

“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 have ever known.”

“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-Minn.) posted on X.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa—who I considered a friend and partner. Above all, he was deeply committed to his community and constituents, working to make life better for those he represented,” Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who served with LaMalfa in the House, posted on X.

“My thoughts are with his wife, Jill, his children, and all the Northern Californian families and friends that share this loss with the Congress and our nation. Doug’s life was one of great service and he will be deeply missed.”

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) said: “Doug 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.”

LaMalfa spoke on the House floor frequently, giving at least one set of remarks on the House floor on 81 days in 2025, trailing just two other lawmakers, according to a C-SPAN compilation.