President Donald Trump is backing California Assemblyman James Gallagher in the race for the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s seat in Congress, citing alignment on immigration as a key reason.
In a social media post this week, Trump said Gallagher supports his administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, along with the economy and agriculture.
What did James Gallagher say about Donald Trump’s endorsement?
Gallagher welcomed Trump’s endorsement in his own post, saying he’d work with the administration on lowering taxes and the cost of living for families. But he didn’t mention immigration.
In an interview with FOX40 in Sacramento last week, Gallagher stood behind federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, saying they have a “sworn duty to enforce immigration laws.”
I am deeply honored to have President @realDonaldTrump's support and full endorsement. @RepLaMalfa was one of the President’s strongest supporters in Congress and having the President's backing in the race clearly shows my commitment to conservative values. I am committed to… pic.twitter.com/EotmLzRTGb
— James Gallagher (@J_Gallagher4CA) February 5, 2026
NSPR reached out to Gallagher’s office for comment and did not receive a response by deadline.
What did Audrey Denney say?
Chico Democrat Audrey Denney is challenging Gallagher in the special election for LaMalfa’s seat. In a statement to NSPR, she said voters should pick Gallagher if “you want Washington ruled by the whims of Donald Trump.”
Denney has condemned the president’s immigration tactics.
When is the special election for Doug LaMalfa’s seat?
Gov. Gavin Newsom set the special election for LaMalfa’s seat for Aug. 4.
The special primary election will be held on June 2, according to the California Secretary of State’s Office. A candidate can win outright in the special primary with a majority, otherwise the top two advance to the August runoff.
June 2 will also serve as the primary for the regular midterm election. In that race, the top two finishers will move on to the November general election, even if one candidate receives a majority.
Will the special election use California’s new congressional district maps?
No.
Instead, the special election will use the existing congressional map for California’s 1st District that stretches from Yuba County to the Oregon border. It includes the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama.
The new congressional map was approved by voters last year as part of Proposition 50. It will be used in the regular midterm election and was redesigned to favor Democrats by getting rid of Redding and including parts of the North Bay.
The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday upheld the gerrymandered districts.
