4 months ago
Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican who represented nan state’s agrarian bluish region successful nan House and was known for his activity connected h2o and forestry policy, has died astatine property 65, according to statements from Republican officials.
LaMalfa, a fourth-generation atom husbandman who antecedently served successful nan California authorities legislature, was successful his seventh word representing California’s first legislature district. He sat connected nan House agriculture, earthy resources, and proscription and infrastructure committees. No origin of decease has been announced.
The National Republican Congressional Committee chairman, Richard Hudson, said he was “deeply saddened by nan passing of my workfellow and adjacent friend”.
“Doug was a opinionated blimpish and a tireless advocator for nan group of Northern California,” Hudson said successful a statement. “He was ne'er acrophobic to conflict for agrarian communities, farmers, and moving families. Doug brought grit, authenticity, and condemnation to everything he did successful nationalist service.”
His abrupt passing reduces nan House Republican mostly to 218-213, leaving GOP activity pinch an moreover slimmer separator to walk their legislative agenda. After nan departure of typical Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia connected Monday, Republicans tin now spend to suffer only 2 votes connected party-line measures.
House mostly whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota paid tribute to LaMalfa successful a connection posted connected societal media.
“Doug was a loving begetter and husband, and staunch advocator for his constituents and agrarian America,” Emmer said. “Our prayers are pinch Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”
The news of LaMalfa’s passing came minutes earlier Donald Trump was scheduled to speak to nan House Republicans astatine a GOP retreat astatine nan Kennedy Center successful Washington, and Trump said he dedicated nan reside to him.
“I was really saddened by his passing, and was reasoning astir not moreover doing nan reside successful his honor, but past decided that I person to do it successful his honor,” Trump told nan lawmakers. “I’ll do it successful his honor, because he would person wanted it that way.”
