James Gallagher is now a member of Congress, filling the seat left open by the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa in January.
The Sutter County Republican was sworn in Wednesday by House Speaker Mike Johnson after winning the June 2 special election for California’s First Congressional District.
In brief remarks on the House floor, Gallagher said he plans to continue LaMalfa’s work representing the rural North State.
“Many times they are the overlooked part of California, and they need a voice, and Doug LaMalfa was their voice, and I plan to continue in that same spirit,” Gallagher said.
His arrival in Washington gives Johnson one more Republican for his narrow majority.
But Gallagher, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, will have a short runway to get things done.
He’s serving out the remaining months of LaMalfa’s term, which only runs to Jan. 3.
He told NSPR on election night that he wants to prioritize moving the Sites Reservoir water storage project forward, reopening Glenn Medical Center in Willows and lowering energy costs.
On the House floor, Gallagher asked for guidance in the coming months.
“I pray that God goes ahead and gives us the wisdom and the fortitude and the integrity to bring our country together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gallagher is campaigning for a full two-year term against Democratic state Sen. Mike McGuire in the November general election in a redrawn district that’s now more favorable to Democrats.
