SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — California Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65.
GOP Majority Leader Tom Emmer announced his death on social media, praising him as a “loving father and husband, and a staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America.”
Speaker Johnson’s office confirms the news to ABC and said the Speaker of the House has been notified of the congressman’s sudden death.
NRCC Board Chairman Richard Hudson confirmed the news in a statement. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Hudson said.
LaMalfa represents California’s 1st District, which stretches from Siskiyou County along the Oregon border through rural Shasta and Sutter counties.
His district was radically redrawn by Proposition 50. The GOP already had a slim majority in the House, now 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats.
LaMalfa also served as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.
There is no word on how he died.
LaMalfa’s office released this statement after his death:
Early this morning, Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned to the House of the Lord. He left a lasting legacy of gentleness and servant leadership to Upstate. His sense of humor and hard work are legendary – a reporter once said he would look into every barbecue’s backyard just to see if Doug was visiting.
Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply about the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its promises to fix our failing forests, build water reservoirs, and leave people free to choose what was best for themselves. His tragic and unexpected passing leaves a profound impact on many. He leaves behind his wonderful wife, Jill, four children, one grandchild, two sisters, and a host of cousins.
ABC News contributed to this story.
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