California GOP Rep Doug LaMalfa dies at 65, Trump pays tribute at House retreat

WASHINGTON, DC: Republican representative from California Doug LaMalfa passed away on Monday, January 5, at the age of 65. His demise was announced by GOP representative Tom Emmer, who took to X to share the news on Tuesday, January 6.

LaMalfa represented California’s 1st congressional district and was also a member of the California State Assembly and Senate in the past.

Trump remembers LaMalfa as a ‘true defender’ of children

During the recent House GOP Retreat, held in the Trump-Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump paid respect to Doug LaMalfa. He said that LaMalfa was a fierce champion of rural America and a “true defender” of children and all of America.

The president also noted that he had considered not delivering a speech in honor of LaMalfa during the GOP House Retreat but believed the late congressman would have wanted him to.

Several other representatives paid their respects to LaMalfa, including Richard Hudson, who had confirmed Doug’s death in a statement. He remembered LaMalfa as a “principled conservative.”

“He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families. Doug brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service,” he said. 

Tom Emmer remembered the late congressman as a loving father and husband, and an advocate for rural America. Mike Johnson described LaMalfa as a “fierce” fighter for California’s national resources, while Young Kim said he was “genuinely kind” and a decent man who treated everyone with respect.

“His leadership, friendship, and steady presence will be deeply missed,” she said. 

GOP majority likely to decrease further 

With Georgia representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, which marked the end of her term on January 5, and Doug LaMalfa’s unfortunate passing, the Republicans and the Democrats are cutting it close.

Although the Republicans still have a slight edge over their opposition, there’s very little margin of error.

Republican representative Jim Baird from Indiana met with an accident and needed to be hospitalized the same day LaMalfa passed. Although sources told Fox News that he was responsive and in a stable condition, it is unclear when he will be discharged.

Due to LaMalfa’s passing, Greene’s resignation, and Baird’s hospitalization, the House cannot afford any more than one Republican defection on any line vote, assuming that all members are present and voting.  

After LaMalfa’s passing and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, the difference between the Republicans and the Democrats has decreased in the GOP, with Republicans at 218 and Democrats at 213.