California Congressmen Reflect on Legacy of Fellow Rep. Doug LaMalfa

What comes next for California’s 1st Congressional District after Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s death?

In California, the responsibility to call for a special election falls on the governor when a congressional seat becomes vacant. Unlike the Senate, where appointments can be made, the Constitution mandates that any replacement for the House of Representatives must…

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, Longtime California Republican Congressman, Dies at 65; Special Election to Fill Vacant Seat

Chico, California - January 7, 2026 -- Republican U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa, who represented California's 1st Congressional District for over a decade, died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 65 following a medical emergency and complications during surgery. LaMalfa, a fourth-generation rice farmer from Northern California, experienced a medical emergency at his home on January 5. He...

The Doug LaMalfa I covered: Authentic, cranky and deeply caring

In summary After the sudden death of U.S. Rep Doug LaMalfa, a CalMatters reporter who covered him for 20 years reflects on his life and legacy. If you hadn’t met Doug LaMalfa, his campaign signs probably seemed like the sort of eye-rolling attempt at folksy charm some slick politician who’s never had dirt under his fingernails might use to appeal to rural voters. “He’s one of us!” they read, a cartoon cowboy hat perched off an “L” in LaMalfa’s n…

District 1 Congressional seat: What’s next?

CHICO — Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s death has left a seat in Congress open in what was already expected to be a contentious race after the passage of Proposition 50. Before California voters overwhelmingly approved the congressional mapping changes, the Richvale Republican had been a stalwart incumbent in District 1, making his portion of the north state rocky ground for challengers. Two prominent democrats, Audrey Denney, who previously ran against LaM…

Doug LaMalfa Remembered as Steady Voice for Trucking

"Only a small handful of members of Congress hold a CDL, and Congressman LaMalfa spoke with pride about being a part of this elite group,” ATA President Chris Spear said.

What happens to Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s seat after Northern California congressman’s death?

California voters can expect a special election to fill the congressional seat left vacant by Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s death.