California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa died suddenly at the age of 65, GOP leadership confirmed Tuesday.
LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who had represented the Golden State’s 1st Congressional District since 2013, had chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. His cause of death is not immediately clear.
“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) said in a statement.
“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.
LaMalfa’s passing now brings the GOP’s threadbare majority even slimmer after the retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
“I am deeply stunned and incredibly saddened by the news of my friend Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s passing,” added Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC).
