California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa died suddenly at the age of 65, GOP leadership and President Trump confirmed Tuesday.
LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who had represented the Golden State’s 1st Congressional District since 2013, had chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. His cause of death is not immediately clear.
“A fierce champion on California water issues. He was great on water. A true defender of American children,” Trump told GOP House members on Tuesday. “He was a defender of everybody. And our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family.”
“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” added House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) in a statement.
“Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.
LaMalfa’s passing now brings the GOP’s threadbare majority even slimmer after the retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday. Now Republicans have a 218-213 majority, meaning they have a two-vote margin.
That is set to shrink further after the Jan. 31 runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which is set to give Democrats one more seat in the lower chamber.
But that ultra-slim majority includes libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has a knack for opposing his fellow Republicans on marquee legislation, drawing the wrath of President Trump.
Further complicating the math for Republicans is the fact that Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.), 80, is recovering from a car crash. The Post contacted Baird’s office for more information.
“I am deeply stunned and incredibly saddened by the news of my friend Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s passing,” added Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC).
LaMalfa is the first representative to die this year, but the fourth in the current, 119th Congress, following the tragic passing of former Reps. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) last year.
The 119th Congress has now seen nine lawmakers leave the lower chamber early due to early retirements from former Reps. Greene, Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Mike Waltz (R-Fla.)
There are currently four vacancies in the House.
The late congressman was well-known for his deep knowledge of water and forestry issues. He was also one of several Republicans targeted by California Democrats in their efforts to combat Texas’ mid-decade redistricting efforts.
“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California. 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,” Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said in a statement.
“I cherished our time serving together on the Agriculture Committee and discussing NASCAR- he was a real gear head and motorsports fan. I will deeply miss my ‘amigo,’” he added.
LaMalfa had four children with his wife, Jill.
