Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa died Jan. 6, 2026, during surgery, triggering a special election.

Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California, 65, died on January 6, 2026, during an emergency surgery, reducing the GOP’s narrow House majority to 218-213. He represented California’s 1st district since 2013, serving as chair of the Congressional Western Caucus and advocating for rural and agricultural interests. Known for his conservative views on immigration, fiscal policy, and federal spending, LaMalfa was a vocal critic of California’s Proposition 50, which redrew congressional districts. His passing triggers a special election, with the outcome potentially affecting legislative dynamics in the closely divided 119th Congress. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed.