Sudden death of lawmaker shakes U.S. House majority

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California has died astatine property 65 aft a aesculapian emergency and emergency room astatine a Chico hospital, authorities said. The Butte County sheriff’s agency said LaMalfa was taken to nan infirmary aft a 911 telephone from his home, but he died during nan operation.

LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District, a ample agrarian area successful nan bluish portion of nan state, including communities specified arsenic Chico, Redding and Yuba City. He had served successful nan U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.

His decease narrows nan Republican majority successful nan U.S. House of Representatives, reducing nan GOP mostly to 218-213.

Before joining Congress, LaMalfa was a fourth‑generation atom husbandman and besides served successful nan California State Assembly and State Senate.

Officials person not yet released an nonstop origin of death. The sheriff’s agency said a coroner’s investigation and autopsy are underway to study more.

LaMalfa was known for focusing connected issues important to his district, including agriculture, h2o supplies, wildfire betterment and agrarian communities.

Political leaders from some parties expressed sadness and honored his service. California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags astatine nan authorities Capitol to beryllium flown astatine half‑staff.

LaMalfa is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Details astir early typical elections to capable his spot are expected arsenic officials activity to group a date.

Chris Pugh brings complete 2 decades of newsroom acquisition to his domiciled arsenic Trending News, Sports and Entertainment Reporter for cleveland.com, wherever he covers nan stories capturing Northeast Ohio’s attention. His...