California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represented the state’s 1st Congressional District, died unexpectedly Tuesday at age 65 after a medical emergency, according to a statement released by his office.

The Announcement

LaMalfa’s chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, said the congressman “returned home to the Lord” and praised his work on forests, water storage and limiting federal overreach. Local reporting, citing the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, said deputies received a 911 call from LaMalfa’s residence around 6:50 p.m. Monday. He was taken to Enloe Hospital, went into emergency surgery and died during the procedure. The county coroner is now investigating the official cause of death and an autopsy is expected.

About LaMalfa

LaMalfa was a fourth generation rice farmer and business owner from Northern California. Born in Oroville, he earned an agriculture and business degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He served in the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008 and the State Senate from 2010 to 2012 before winning election to Congress in 2012. In 2025, he was unanimously elected chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.

Who Will Take His Seat?

LaMalfa’s district includes communities such as Oroville, Yuba City, Chico and Redding. A special election will be required to fill the seat. California Elections Code 10703 then requires that special election to be held on a Tuesday 126 to 140 days after the governor’s proclamation, with an option to extend up to 180 days if it is consolidated with a regularly scheduled election.

Sources:

• Roll Call (chief of staff statement, “unexpected” death): Roll Call
• KCRA (Butte County Sheriff’s Office timeline, surgery details, district communities, Western Caucus chair): KCRA
• U.S. House History (birthplace, education, state Assembly and Senate service): History, Art & Archives
• AP (special election requirement): apnews.com

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