State and federal lawmakers react to Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s passing

(KYMA, NBC) - Lawmakers across the country are sharing their reaction to the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA).

House GOP leadership announced LaMalfa's death saying in part, "He proudly represented California's 1st Congressional District from 2013 to 2026, serving as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus."

During a press conference Tuesday, President Donald Trump paid his respects to Rep. LaMalfa.

"I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member...Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday, as you probably have heard, and he was the leader of the Western caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues. He was great on water. He wanted release the water and scream out at a true defender of American children. He was a defender of everybody, and our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family."

President Donald Trump

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) posted to X saying LaMalfa was a "devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented."

Gov. Newsom also said while he and LaMalfa "often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day for the people of California with conviction and care. He will be deeply missed."

Other lawmakers also shared their reaction to LaMalfa's passing:

Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a lifelong resident of northern California and deeply loved its people. He was as fierce of a fighter for his state’s vast natural resources and beauty as we… pic.twitter.com/xYJdwcpp8W

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 6, 2026

I am deeply saddened by the death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa – who I considered a friend and partner. Above all, he was deeply committed to his community and constituents, working to make life better for those he represented.

My thoughts are with his wife, Jill, his children,… pic.twitter.com/V2uNwrSfbs

— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) January 6, 2026

I am profoundly heartbroken to hear of the passing of my close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Before serving together in Congress, we weren’t just colleagues in the California State Legislature, we were roommates.

Doug was first and foremost a devoted husband and father,… pic.twitter.com/haAPzKRWZS

— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) January 6, 2026

I am heartbroken to hear that my colleague and Class of 2012 classmate, Doug LaMalfa has passed away. I am sending my dearest condolences and thoughts to his family, friends, and loved ones during this time.https://t.co/Kg2aHvvTwV

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) January 6, 2026

Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. 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. pic.twitter.com/NsnxZsp2W3

— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) January 6, 2026

I am heartbroken about the passing of my friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa. Doug fought every day for rural America and the West, and I was honored to serve alongside him on the Natural Resources Committee. He was instrumental in the recent reauthorization of the Secure… pic.twitter.com/qgnO2Wr6eW

— Rep. Harriet Hageman (@RepHageman) January 6, 2026

I’m in shock. My mentor, a man who was like a big brother to me is suddenly gone. Doug LaMalfa was a one of a kind, humble and dedicated public servant. I’m lost and can’t imagine life, public service or politics without Doug.

His focus was always on the people of his…

— James Gallagher (@J_GallagherAD3) January 6, 2026

I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. I extend my condolences to his family, loved ones, staff, and constituents as they grieve this loss. Wishing them comfort and strength during this time.

— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) January 6, 2026

I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of my friend and colleague Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a happy warrior who cared immensely about his country, his state, and his constituents. A few years ago, he took time out of his schedule to come with me to Arizona to understand the border… pic.twitter.com/xhYKa5ahqp

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) January 6, 2026

I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was always kind to everyone. I’m praying for his family and friends.

— Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) January 6, 2026

Doug LaMalfa was a gentle giant. Didn’t have a bad bone in his body. Just the nicest man, with the biggest heart. Always checking in to see how you were doing.

Incredibly sad. Thinking about him, his lovely wife and their children this morning.

“God is light; in him there is no… pic.twitter.com/NUithffZis

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) January 6, 2026

I’m heartbroken to learn about the sudden passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Doug was a hardworking member of the House who fought tirelessly for the people of Northern California.

My prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their family. pic.twitter.com/8ziXK8tltP

— Chairwoman Lisa McClain (@RepLisaMcClain) January 6, 2026

Saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Doug LaMalfa. He was a conservative champion for California, and I hope you will join me in praying for his family.

— Rep. Tim Burchett Press Office (@RepTimBurchett) January 6, 2026

Saddened to learn of the passing of Representative Doug LaMalfa. He represented his district well. I served with Doug in the California State Legislature and in Congress. My prayers are with his family and friends. https://t.co/gAtnkEcOfn

— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 6, 2026

I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of my dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa.

For more than a decade, Doug served the people of California with integrity, conviction, and a deep love for our country. He was a strong conservative lawmaker who never wavered in his commitment…

— Young Kim (@RepYoungKim) January 6, 2026

Angela and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Doug LaMalfa this morning.

I had the opportunity to work with Doug from our days in the California State Senate through our service in Congress. Though we didn’t always see eye to eye, we put those differences…

— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) January 6, 2026

My sincere condolences to Jill and the LaMalfa family on the passing of @RepLaMalfa.

Doug was the congressman for my hometown district in Northern California, a committed public servant who loved America, his family, and his faith. I’m grateful for his personal attention… pic.twitter.com/yrh6H4SGYc

— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) January 6, 2026

I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa. Doug faithfully served the people of California in the State Assembly and the State Senate before being elected to the U.S. House in 2012.

A fourth generation rice farmer, he fought passionately…

— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 6, 2026

Doug LaMalfa was a devoted husband, a dedicated father to four beautiful children, and a newfound grandfather. Throughout his political career, Doug was a longtime Reagan conservative who believed in limited government, low taxes, and traditional values. He served his state and… pic.twitter.com/nJ4yUlurew

— Rep. Ken Calvert (@KenCalvert) January 6, 2026

Chairman @RepHudsonNC Statement on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa pic.twitter.com/ygEPmdoXye

— NRCC (@NRCC) January 6, 2026

We are heartbroken by the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a steadfast advocate for rural Northern California and a true champion for agriculture, forestry, water, and working families.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jill, his family, his staff, and all those… pic.twitter.com/M4tpEDpJLX

— Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (@hhadwickAD1) January 6, 2026

My statement on the passing of my good friend and fellow farmer, Rep. Doug LaMalfa. pic.twitter.com/g7PBXFDwrk

— Rep. Dan Newhouse (@RepNewhouse) January 6, 2026

I served with Congressman LaMalfa for a decade in Washington. Doug was a good-natured colleague with whom you could respectfully disagree. He was a dedicated public servant who represented his district well, loved CA & the nation. His good humor and pragmatism will be missed. pic.twitter.com/oIDaUJQwYQ

— Sen. Jerry McNerney (@SenMcNerney) January 6, 2026

Doug LaMalfa was the kindest and most sincere person I have encountered in more than 40 years of public service. Our nation, our state, and our community have all suffered an irreplaceable loss and rural America has lost its most indefatigable and effective advocate. My heart…

— Tom McClintock (@RepMcClintock) January 6, 2026

LaMalfa was 65.