LIVE UPDATES
Live updates: Doug LaMalfa’s Jan. 24 memorial in Chico
North State Congressman Doug LaMalfa is being remembered today, Jan. 24, at a memorial in Chico.
The noon event at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds has drawn interest from over 3,000 people from throughout California’s 1st Congressional District in the North State.
LaMalfa died unexpectedly on Jan. 6 from an unspecified medical issue.
Here’s the latest from the NSPR news team.
Jill LaMalfa throws support behind Gallagher for special election
Surrounded by family, Jill LaMalfa, wife of Doug LaMalfa, recognized Gallagher as the likely winner of the special election for LaMalfa’s vacant seat.
She thanked Gallagher for being willing to run for the seat, saying like her husband, “You put God and family above the rest.”
Jill LaMalfa said Gallagher shares the “same values” as the late congressman. She added that she has a “deep peace” that he’ll carry Doug LaMalfa’s torch in Congress.
Gallagher, frontrunner for LaMalfa’s seat, says he lost his ‘big brother’
California Assemblyman James Gallagher, who is widely viewed as the favorite to win June’s special primary election for LaMalfa’s vacant seat, remembered LaMalfa’s “brand of politics” as a denim-jacket style of campaigning.
“Humble and kind,” Gallagher said. “Be on the side of the people always.”
LaMalfa’s widow Jill has endorsed Gallagher in the special election to serve out the remainder of LaMalfa’s term, which expires in January 2027.
“Most importantly he called me little brother,” Gallagher said. “He was like a big brother to me.”
Gallagher criticized Newsom as playing “political games” with LaMalfa’s seat. Gallagher said the governor could have set the election two months earlier but chose to deprive the North State of a representative in Congress for at least the next five months.
LaMalfa ‘showed up’ for constituents, Paradise mayor says
Steve Crowder, mayor of Paradise and survivor of the 2018 Camp Fire, remembered LaMalfa as a congressman who “showed up” for the North State.
“I truly believe Paradise would not be as far along in our recovery effort without all of the help he delivered to us,” Crowder said.
As part of his wildfire work, LaMalfa led a bipartisan effort to exempt wildfire relief payments – like PG&E settlement money – from federal income taxes.
That legislation was included in a law signed by President Joe Biden in 2024.
Crowder said he and “the entire town of Paradise want to say how deeply sorry we are. I know many of us here share your grief.”
‘Itching to play the spoiler’: LaMalfa remembered by longtime aide
Chief of staff Mark Spannagel described LaMalfa as humble and deeply caring, saying he was always working with his staff to help people navigate problems with government.
Spannagel also pointed to California’s recent redistricting battles. He said LaMalfa was preparing for the "political fight of his life," to make sure rural voices weren’t drowned out by urban population centers.
LaMalfa’s district was redrawn as part of Proposition 50, and the new maps will be used for this year’s midterm elections, according to the California Secretary of State’s Office. The California Republican Party recently filed an emergency request asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block the maps from being used.
“He was itching to play the spoiler,” Spannagel said.
LaMalfa took time to explain scope of 2018 Paradise fire, McCarthy says
McCarthy reflected on LaMalfa’s political approach in the direct aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed Paradise.
He said LaMalfa briefed President Donald Trump on the disaster. And then LaMalfa spoke with Gov. Jerry Brown and Newsom on the ground.
“Doug didn’t sit back,” McCarthy said. “Doug explained to them what has to change.”
LaMalfa blamed “poor forest management” and environmental laws restricting the use of fire suppression tools like retardant for California’s wildfire problem, according to his congressional website.
Former Speaker McCarthy pays tribute to ‘car enthusiast’ LaMalfa
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy remembered LaMalfa as a husband, father, friend, politician and “fast-car enthusiast.”
McCarthy was House Speaker from January 2023 to October 2023, according to Britannica.
“He wasn’t the tidiest of guys,” McCarthy said of LaMalfa, to laughs.
Johnson thanks LaMalfa widow Jill
Speaker Johnson offered his thoughts to LaMalfa’s widow Jill. He recognized the support LaMalfa’s family showed the late congressman through his years of service in the House.
LaMalfa was first elected to his congressional post in 2012.
“We’re truly blessed to know him,” Johnson said. “And we’ll miss him very dearly.”
Jill LaMalfa recently endorsed California Assemblyman James Gallagher, a Republican from Yuba City, to serve out the remainder of LaMalfa’s term.
Johnson escapes East Coast winter storm to make LaMalfa memorial
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he arranged for Air Force Two to bring a congressional delegation to LaMalfa’s memorial in Chico this morning. The East Coast is bracing for a severe winter storm that’s grounding hundreds of flights.
LaMalfa “inspired us all,” Johnson said, adding, “Doug was a truly great man.”
Republicans hold a slim, 218-213 majority in the House. The longer LaMalfa’s seat goes unfilled, the harder it will be for the GOP to advance President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
“Fourth-generation rice farmer,” Johnson said at the fairgrounds. “That’s no small thing.”
Elected leaders in attendance
Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson have been thanked for being in attendance. California Sen. Adam Schiff was also thanked.
Newsom recently proclaimed the special election for LaMalfa’s vacant seat. It was scheduled for Aug. 4. The special primary election will be held on June 2.
Republicans have criticized Newsom for delaying the election to the latest possible date allowed under law.
Mourners remember LaMalfa as a kind neighbor and friend
While waiting for the memorial to begin in the overflow area, mourners Caroline and Gabriella Bragoli reflected on their time and relationship with LaMalfa.
“I grew up with Doug in the town of Richvale and he and his family were so welcoming and always a wonderful, fun family to be with,” Caroline Bragoli said. “You’d go to the LaMalfa’s and it was just the best food and the best time.”
Gabriella Bragoli interned for LaMalfa one summer. She said she feels like the North State has lost a wonderful member of the community.
“He was a good man, even if you didn’t agree with him politically,” Gabriella Bragoli said. “He was a good, kind man, who loved this area, loved his constituents and loved his family and his community.”
LaMalfa family members take seats
Members of LaMalfa’s family have taken their seats at the memorial. LaMalfa’s casket is draped with a U.S. flag on the stage. The service will begin at noon.
Mourners fill memorial building at fairgrounds
Pam Tillis’ “Land Of The Living” plays as people begin to fill the room where LaMalfa will be honored. The program is expected to start at noon, with speakers and video remembrances of the late congressman.
The building is expected to reach capacity. An outdoor area with a large screen will accommodate an overflow crowd at the fairgrounds.
Remarks are expected from high-ranking lawmakers.
Heavy law enforcement presence on site
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies have lined the streets leading into the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in south Chico. Police are manning the gates. There are metal detectors and wand searches.
Organizers have told guests to expect strong security measures. Parking opens at 9:30 a.m. Gates open at 10 a.m.