California congressman Doug LaMalfa dies at 65

U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from Northern California, died early on Tuesday morning, his office said in a statement. The 65-year-old had served in Congress for nearly 13 years representing California’s 1st Congressional District, the state’s second largest district until it was redrawn last year under Proposition 50. He died while undergoing surgery after suffering a medical emergency on Monday evening, according to a statement from the Butte County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife Jill and four children.

Who was LaMalfa? LaMalfa was a conservative lawmaker known for advocating for rural issues such as forest management. He lived in California all his life and was a rice farmer before joining the state Assembly and Senate, and later Congress. LaMalfa also chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. He was running for reelection. His death brings the House Republican majority to 218 members, compared with 213 Democrats.

What are other politicians saying? House Republicans poured out condolences on Tuesday morning while attending an annual retreat at the Kennedy Center. Fellow California Republican Rep. Young Kim said in a statement that LaMalfa was kind and decent and treated his colleagues with respect. While addressing House Republicans during the retreat, President Donald Trump called LaMalfa a fierce champion on California water issues. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, while acknowledging differences of perspective with LaMalfa, called him a devoted public servant who loved his country and the state and communities he represented.

Dig deeper: Listen to my report on The World and Everything in It about lawmakers leaving Congress this year.