According to local officials, Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa of Northern California fell suddenly ill and died at the age of 65. LaMalfa died during emergency surgery at a Chico hospital early Tuesday morning, shocking and saddening his colleagues, constituents, and political leaders across the country.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 911 call was received Monday evening from LaMalfa’s home in Richvale. Emergency medical personnel quickly responded and transported LaMalfa to Enloe Medical Center in Chico. Despite the efforts of doctors, LaMalfa died during surgery at approximately 3:20 a.m. Tuesday.
While the official cause of death is still under investigation, reports from congressional colleagues suggest LaMalfa likely suffered a heart attack following an aneurysm. The county coroner’s office is conducting an autopsy as per standard procedure.
LaMalfa was a fourth-generation rice farmer and a prominent conservative voice in Congress. He had represented a vast rural district in Northern California since being first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. Prior to that, he served in both the California State Assembly and State Senate, building a long career focused on agriculture, water policy, and the needs of rural communities.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. House Republican leaders described LaMalfa as a dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for farmers and working families. California Governor Gavin Newsom also issued a statement, paying tribute to LaMalfa’s commitment to his constituents despite political differences and ordering flags at the state Capitol to be flown at half-staff.
LaMalfa’s death creates a vacancy in the already sharply divided House of Representatives. California officials are expected to hold a special election in the coming weeks to fill the seat, which is widely considered a safe Republican district.
Lamalfa is survived by his wife Jill and their four children. His sudden death is a loss of a skilled figure in California and national politics.