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What happened
Republican US Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California died unexpectedly at age 65, and the cause of death was not immediately clear. President Donald Trump paid tribute to LaMalfa and said LaMalfa voted with him 100% of the time. LaMalfa was a former rice farmer elected to Congress in 2013 who focused on water and agriculture issues and fought for help for fire victims in his northern California district. LaMalfa’s death and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation left House Republicans with a 218-213 majority, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has 14 days to call a special election to fill LaMalfa’s seat.
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Key insights
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House Republican margin narrowed: Republicans held a 218-213 majority in the House, giving them a two-vote cushion.
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Special election required in California: California law gives Governor Gavin Newsom 14 days to call a special election to fill LaMalfa’s seat.
Takeaways
Doug LaMalfa’s death left House Republicans with a 218-213 majority and triggered a process for a special election to fill his California seat.