An autopsy has been completed for the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office told NSPR on Monday.
An independent forensic pathologist is looking at the case, and a cause of death will be announced later, Megan McMann, a spokesperson for the agency, said in an email.
LaMalfa, 65, died undergoing emergency surgery at Enloe Health in Chico. His Jan. 6 death has left the North State without a representative in Washington.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to announce a special election to fill the vacancy within the next few days. A popular North State Republican has announced he’s running to finish LaMalfa’s term.
A memorial service for LaMalfa will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds in Chico.
Here’s what you should know.
How did Doug LaMalfa die?
The sheriff’s office said it received a 911 call at 6:50 p.m. on Jan. 5 from LaMalfa’s home reporting a medical emergency.
LaMalfa was taken to the Chico hospital and died in surgery, the sheriff’s office said.
“The Butte County Sheriff’s Office expresses its deepest condolences to the LaMalfa family during this difficult time,” a social media post from the agency reads.
What happens to Doug LaMalfa’s seat?
Vacancies caused by the death of a representative in the U.S. House are filled by special elections, according to Congress.gov. This process is guided by the state where the member died.
State governors typically call special elections to fill these vacancies, the congressional website states.
Newsom has been expected to proclaim a special election within 14 days of LaMalfa's death, according to state election law.
The election may happen in June when the state holds its primary for the 2026 midterm election.
Who’s running to replace Doug LaMalfa?
Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher announced Wednesday that he’ll run in the special election to fill the vacancy.
In a press release, Gallagher referred to LaMalfa as a mentor and friend.
He said if elected to serve out the remainder of LaMalfa’s term, he plans to continue the late congressman’s legacy and serve as a strong voice for the North State.
If elected, Gallagher would serve until January 2027.
Will the special election use California’s new congressional district maps?
The special election to fill the remainder of LaMalfa’s term will not use the new congressional district lines that favor Democrats and were approved by voters in November as part of Proposition 50, CalMatters reported.
Instead, the existing congressional map for California’s 1st District that stretches from Yuba County to the Oregon border will be used. It includes the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama.
LaMalfa’s district was redrawn as part of Prop. 50, and the new maps will be used in this year's midterm elections, according to the California Secretary of State’s Office. A federal court Wednesday upheld the new maps, increasing Democrats’ chances of gaining control of the U.S. House.
NSPR's Andre Byik contributed reporting.
