GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dead at 65, Remembered as a Fierce Advocate for Rural America
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), a stalwart defender of rural America and longtime representative of California’s 1st Congressional District, has died at the age of 65. House Republican leadership confirmed his passing Tuesday morning, marking the end of a political career that spanned more than two decades.
A fourth-generation rice farmer and lifelong resident of Northern California, LaMalfa was known for his no-nonsense approach to government waste, water rights, and agricultural issues. He served in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2026 and was the Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus at the time of his death.
“House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” read a statement from GOP leadership. “He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District… Please join us in praying for Congressman LaMalfa’s wife, kids, and staff.”
House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
A lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, Congressman LaMalfa spent more than two decades in public service. He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District from… pic.twitter.com/nTFSiEXUlE
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) January 6, 2026
President Donald Trump offered heartfelt remarks Tuesday, calling LaMalfa a “great, great, great member” of Congress and praising his leadership on water issues in California. “He wanted — release the water, he’d scream,” Trump recalled. “And a true defender of American children, he was a defender of everybody.”
Trump, who was speaking publicly at an unrelated event, said he considered canceling his remarks out of respect. “Then I decided that I have to do it in his honor because he would have wanted it that way… He would have said, ‘Do that speech, are you kidding? Do the speech.’”
“I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member — a great, great, great member — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday… our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family.” ????pic.twitter.com/tySLWmchjV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 6, 2026
LaMalfa was also remembered by Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), who called the news devastating. “Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” Emmer said. “Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) shared a personal and emotional tribute, noting that the two served together in the California State Legislature before entering Congress — and had even been roommates during that time.
I am profoundly heartbroken to hear of the passing of my close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Before serving together in Congress, we weren’t just colleagues in the California State Legislature, we were roommates.
Doug was first and foremost a devoted husband and father,… pic.twitter.com/haAPzKRWZS
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) January 6, 2026
“Doug was first and foremost a devoted husband and father, inspired by his Christian faith and values to make the lives of others better,” McCarthy wrote. “Many will remember him as a principled legislator, but he was also a commonsense rice farmer through and through… fighting to eliminate government waste like California’s high-speed rail.”
McCarthy added that LaMalfa’s leadership of the Western Caucus came with unanimous support from his colleagues. “He will be truly missed.”
LaMalfa’s political legacy was defined by his commitment to agriculture, infrastructure, and responsible governance. While no cause of death has yet been publicly released, tributes continue to pour in from across the country, underscoring the impact he had in Congress and beyond.
He is survived by his wife, Jill, and their children.