California Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa dies at 65, per GOP leaders

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — California Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at 65 years old.

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

Speaker Johnson’s office confirms the news to ABC and said the speaker has been notified about the congressman’s sudden death.

NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson confirmed the news in a statement. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” Hudson said.

LaMalfa represented California’s 1st District, which spans from Siskiyou County along the Oregon border through rural Shasta and Sutter Counties.

His district was drastically redrawn by Proposition 50. The GOP already held a slim majority in the House, now standing at 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats.

LaMalfa also served as chair of the Congressional Western Caucus.

There’s no word on how he died.

LaMalfa’s office released this statement on his passing:

Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership kindness to the North State. His humor and work effort are legendary – with one reporter once saying he’d look in the back yard of every BBQ just to see if Doug was there visiting.

Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply for the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word to fix our failing forests, build water storage, and leave people to be free to choose what is best for themselves. His tragic and unexpected passing leaves a deep impact on many. He leaves behind his amazing wife Jill, four children, one grandchild, two sisters and a host of cousins.

ABC News contributed to this story.