After careful thought and reflection, I want to share an important update with everyone who has reached out following the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
My initial intention was to step into the special election for the remainder of his term because I did not want to see Northern California’s rural seat left open or weakened at such a critical time. Rural communities cannot afford silence or delay in Washington.
However, after looking closely at who can best serve our district right now, I am choosing to endorse James Gallagher for the special election.
James Gallagher has been a strong and consistent voice for the North State for years. He currently represents our region in the California State Assembly and has served as Assembly Republican Leader. More importantly, he understands rural California because he lives it.
James is a fourth-generation rice farmer from Yuba City. He has fought relentlessly for:
• Water reliability and protection of senior water rights
• Agriculture and family farming
• Wildfire prevention and forest management
• Rural public safety and local control
• Standing up to Sacramento overreach that harms small towns
At this moment, continuity and experience matter. James Gallagher is already battle-tested, already trusted by rural communities, and already positioned to step in without delay to ensure our district does not lose its voice in Congress.
I remain fully committed to fighting for rural California — from water and wildfire policy to agriculture, jobs, and local economies — and I will continue my campaign for Governor of California with that same mission.
This endorsement is about putting the North State first. It’s about making sure rural families, farmers, small-business owners, and first responders are represented by someone who has proven they will stand their ground.
Let’s honor Doug LaMalfa’s legacy by keeping strong, principled rural leadership in place.
I encourage everyone in the district to support James Gallagher in the special election.
🇺🇸 Rural California deserves real representation — and that means choosing the strongest voice for the job.
David Collenberg
Resident of Siskiyou County
