US EditionCalifornia Republican Lawmaker James Gallagher Says He'll Run to Finish Rep. Doug LaMalfa's Term
Gallagher seeks to avoid representation gap and continue LaMalfa’s work on water and wildfire recovery with support from LaMalfa’s family and constituents.
- On Jan 14, 2026, California State Assemblyman James Gallagher announced his candidacy for the special election to fill the vacancy created by Doug LaMalfa's death, becoming the first candidate to declare his bid.
- Following conversations with the LaMalfa family, Gallagher said he decided to run after reflection and talks with his family to uphold LaMalfa's legacy by focusing on First District rural communities' needs.
- Gallagher's résumé includes service in the California State Assembly since 2014, never losing an election and always receiving at least 60 percent of the vote in general elections, and he served as the Assembly Republican.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom must call the special election within two weeks and has not announced details, while Proposition 50 will shape the 2026 primary and general elections as current district boundaries govern the special election.
- Memorial services for Doug LaMalfa are scheduled for January 24, 2026, at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico, with Gallagher saying `I believe, based on the work we've done together and the connection I have to this District and to the people, that I can step in and do that work`.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The Hypocrites Cometh . . . for Rep. Doug LaMalfa
These are the personal thoughts from a political insider and friend who worked with former State Senator and California Rep. Doug La Malfa. We’re going to soon start seeing a procession of Democrat politicians saunter in to the multiple memorials being held for the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa. The first will be the big public memorial in Chico on Saturday, January 24th. These Democrat politicians- so-called friends and colleagues will give gr…
California assemblyman announces run to finish LaMalfa’s term in Congress
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A longtime leading Republican in the California Assembly announced Wednesday he would run in a special election to serve out the term of Doug LaMalfa, the Northern California congressman who died suddenly last week.
LaMalfa's widow backs James Gallagher to take husband's seat
Former Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s widow has endorsed former California Assembly leader James Gallagher to fill her husband’s House seat. The former representative died last week, leaving his Northern California House seat vacant. “In the midst of our sadness and navigation of such a profound loss, I find myself very concerned about who may replace Doug as our representative in Washington, D.C.,” Jill LaMalfa said in a statement published by Gallagher’s…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
