Lawmakers Mourn Death of GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa
'Doug was a hardworking team player and happy warrior, known to spread joy throughout Capitol Hill with his famous LaMaffles'
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WASHINGTON — Politicians are mourning GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who died suddenly during emergency surgery after suffering a medical emergency on Monday evening, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Colleagues applauded LaMalfa — a rice farmer and seven-term congressman who was first elected to the House in 2012 — for his dedication to public service and jovial demeanor following the announcement of his death.
LaMalfa, 65, served as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and was a prominent voice on energy and natural resources policy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he was devastated to lose his friend and colleague.
“Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” he said in a statement. “He was as fierce a fighter for his state’s vast natural resources and beauty as we have ever known. We are mourning the loss of our friend and brother today, and we send our respects for his life and work to his wife Jill and the LaMalfa family during this difficult time.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) echoed Johnson’s sentiments.
“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa,” he said. “A fourth-generation rice farmer, he fought passionately for the region’s agricultural community and small businesses. Doug was a hardworking team player and happy warrior, known to spread joy throughout Capitol Hill with his famous LaMaffles. Doug will be deeply missed.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said LaMalfa “treasured his community, worked powerfully to protect California’s farmers and served those he represented with principled purpose.”
“Doug and I joined the Congress as classmates in 2013, and it was an honor to witness firsthand his passion and personal resolve for more than a decade,” Jeffries added in his statement.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) posted on X that LaMalfa “was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented.” He added, “Jennifer and I are holding Doug’s family, loved ones, and colleagues in our thoughts as California mourns his passing.”
LaMalfa’s Chief of Staff Mark Spannagel said in a statement that the congressman, “leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership and kindness to the North State.” He added that LaMalfa “cared deeply for the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word to fix our failing forests, build water storage, and leave people to be free to choose what is best for themselves.”
LaMalfa leaves behind his wife Jill, four children, one grandchild, Spannagel noted.
President Trump addressed lawmakers at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, expressing his condolences over LaMalfa’s death.
“I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member,” Trump said. “He was a fantastic person. He was just with us. He was our friend.”
Newsom is required to set a date for a special election within the next 14 days. The election could take place as early as mid-May.
LaMalfa’s death shrinks the House GOP’s already narrow margin as leadership looks to pass key legislation ahead of the midterm elections.
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