President Donald Trump dedicated his address to Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to the memory of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., who died Monday evening at age 65.
Trump, who was scheduled to address the House GOP members retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Center, said he considered canceling his appearance after learning of LaMalfa’s death.
“I spoke to Doug, but I didn’t speak to him, you know? I mean, we never had a problem. I was really saddened by his passing and was thinking about not even doing the speech in his honor,” Trump said. “But then I decided that I have to do it in his honor. I’ll do it in his honor because he would’ve wanted it that way.”
The president praised LaMalfa for his unwavering support, noting it was to his credit that Trump never had to call him to rally his vote. Trump described LaMalfa as the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues, and a true defender of American children.
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff in LaMalfa’s honor.
“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented,” Newsom said. “While we often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day for the people of California with conviction and care. He will be deeply missed.”
According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, a 9-1-1 call was received from LaMalfa’s residence regarding a medical emergency at approximately 6:50 p.m. on January 5. The call was transferred to medical personnel, who responded to the residence. The congressman was transported to Enloe Hospital, where he was taken into emergency surgery. He passed away during the surgical procedure.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. The Coroner’s Unit of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation, with a forensic pathologist scheduled to perform an autopsy.
State Senator Megan Dahle called LaMalfa’s death a shock and loss to the entire North State.
“For a generation, Doug LaMalfa has been a vital voice of leadership for the North State,” Dahle said. “He was a no-nonsense conservative but had a bipartisan streak when it came to the practical needs of the North State.”
Dahle noted LaMalfa’s legislative accomplishments, including tax relief for wildfire settlements, the construction of Sites Reservoir, and the recent reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools funding.
“It was not at all rare for him to spend a week in Washington and then drive 200 miles from his home for a firefighter appreciation dinner in Siskiyou County on Saturday night,” Dahle said. “His sudden passage at the young age of 65 is a shock and loss to the entire North State. Our hearts are with his wife, Jill, and children in their time of mourning.”
Erin Ryan, LaMalfa’s District Representative based in Palo Cedro, remembered the congressman as a man of deep character.
“Doug was really normal, deeply principled, tireless, and loyal,” Ryan said. “He was a devout Christian and just a really good person. In spite of his job, he saw the best in everyone. There aren’t many like that who hold office and never change over time.”
LaMalfa represented California’s First Congressional District and was first elected to Congress in 2012. He was 65 years old.
