California Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa dies at age 65 during emergency surgery

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Republican Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65.

GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer announced his death on social media, praising him as “a loving father and husband, and a fierce advocate for his constituents and rural America.”

LaMalfa represented California’s 1st District, which stretches from Siskiyou County along the Oregon border to rural Shasta and Sutter counties.

Politicians on both sides paid their respects Tuesday as the Republican majority in the House of Representatives shrinks.

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office says they received a call Monday evening about a “medical emergency” at LaMalfa’s home.

The 65-year-old was taken to a hospital for emergency surgery and died there.

The cause of death is being investigated.

President Trump remembered LaMalfa during a speech on Tuesday.

“He was the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion of California’s water issues,” Trump said. “He was clear about what he wanted: ‘release the water,’ he shouted, and a true defender of America’s children. He was a defender of everyone.”

Governor Gavin Newsom remembered LaMalfa in a post on X and also said flags at the State Capitol will be at half-staff.

“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a dedicated public servant who deeply loved his country, his state and the communities he represented,” Newsom said. “Although we often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day with conviction and care for the people of California. He will be deeply missed.”

With Lamalfa’s death, the Republican Party’s majority in the House of Representatives now stands at 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats. His district was dramatically redrawn by Proposition 50, which voters approved in November.

LaMalfa’s office released this statement upon his death:

Early this morning, Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership to the North State. His humor and work effort are legendary – a reporter once said he would check the backyard at every barbecue to see if Doug was visiting.

Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply about the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word to restore our failing forests, build water storage, and give people the freedom to choose what is best for themselves. His tragic and unexpected death leaves a deep impact on many. He is survived by his wonderful wife Jill, four children, one grandchild, two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

ABC News contributed to this story.