House Republican leaders Tom Emmer and Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), announced on 6/1 the death of Representative Doug LaMalfa. Lawmakers, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated he suffered an aneurysm, followed by a heart attack during surgery.

LaMalfa's death reduces the number of Republican seats in the House to 218, while Democrats hold 213. This leaves Republicans with a slim legislative advantage, as they can only afford to lose a maximum of two votes on proposed bills.

Doug LaMalfa at a press conference in Chico, California, US in 10/2025. Photo: AP

News of LaMalfa's passing was released minutes before US President Donald Trump addressed Republican lawmakers at a closed-door meeting at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

"I am truly saddened by the passing of LaMalfa and considered not speaking in his memory," President Trump said. "However, I decided to speak to honor him because he would have wanted it."

LaMalfa represented California's 1st congressional district, located in northern California and bordering Oregon. He had planned to seek re-election this November, despite significant changes to his district following a 11/2025 referendum proposed by Democrats. These changes made it more challenging for him and four other Republican representatives to win re-election.

LaMalfa previously served in the California state legislature. Before his death, he was a member of the House agriculture, natural resources, transportation, and infrastructure committees.

According to California law, Governor Gavin Newsom must issue a proclamation setting a special election date within 14 days of LaMalfa's seat becoming vacant. The primary election is typically scheduled 10 weeks after the announcement to allow candidates to file and campaign. If no candidate wins a majority of votes in the primary, the top two contenders will proceed to a runoff election, usually held 10 weeks later. This entire process is expected to take 4-5 months. During this period, California's 1st congressional district will be without a voting representative in the US House.

Nguyen Tien (According to AP, AFP, Guardian)