Californias conservative heartland is preparing for a pivotal special election following the sudden death of Rep.
Doug LaMalfa, as Assemblyman James Gallagher steps forward to seek the First Congressional District seat.
According to RedState, California State Assemblyman James Gallagher, a Republican representing the 3rd Assembly District and a persistent critic of Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democrat supermajority, has formally declared his candidacy in the upcoming special election. The race will determine who completes the late congressmans term in Californias First Congressional District, a vast, rural, and reliably conservative region that has long resisted Sacramentos progressive agenda.
In announcing his bid, Gallagher framed his decision as both a personal and civic duty rooted in his relationship with LaMalfa and their shared values. "Doug La Malfa was my mentor, friend and a representative of the People in the truest sense of the word. Doug's focus was always his constituents and the American values he cherished so deeply," said Gallagher.
He emphasized that the congressmans passing has left a leadership vacuum in Northern California that cannot be ignored. "His death was a shock to all of us, and leaves a great void of leadership here in the North State. After much prayer and reflection with my own family, and with the LaMalfa family, and hearing from many of you, I have decided I will seek election to serve out the remaining months of Doug's term. I will be a candidate in the Special Election for Congress in the First District."
Gallagher, the outgoing Assembly GOP Leader, enters the race with a powerful and symbolic endorsement from LaMalfas widow, Jill LaMalfa. Her backing signals continuity for voters who want to see LaMalfas conservative legacy preserved rather than replaced by a more moderate or Sacramento-aligned figure.
Jill LaMalfa made clear that her support for Gallagher arises from both grief and concern for the future representation of the district. "In the midst of our sadness and navigation of such a profound loss, I find myself very concerned about who may replace Doug as our Representative in Washington, D.C. The tireless work and unimaginable hours spent away from family by Doug and his entire staff, cannot be left to end in vain."
She described a period of deep reflection and prayer as the family considered how best to honor LaMalfas work and protect the districts interests. "I believe I am called to pull in and help access healing in our family as we find our way through the heartache and emptiness. Through much prayer, I believe there is a way forward. A way that leaves very little to change from how Doug would have done it, the way he would have cared for all of you in the 1st Congressional District of California."
Jill LaMalfa recounted extensive conversations with Gallagher and his wife, underscoring that this was not a casual political calculation but a serious commitment. "James and Janna Gallagher and I have spent much time talking and praying about this decision. Its a huge ask of them, especially while raising their young family. They well-know what leadership requires of them, and they have agreed this is the next place for them to serve."
She invoked one of her late husbands favorite expressions in describing Gallaghers decision to run. "James will put 'his hat in the ring'( a Dougism) and is willing to finish Dougs current term through to January 1, 2027. The kids and I believe this is what Doug would have wanted. James has our full support."
For many in District 1, Gallagher represents the kind of unapologetic conservative leadership they believe Washington desperately needs, particularly as Californias progressive policies continue to damage rural communities. Voters in the region have long bristled at Governor Newsoms environmental and economic agenda, blaming his forest mismanagement for years of catastrophic wildfires and criticizing his wasteful spending and hostility toward agriculture and water rights.
Gallagher, now in his final Assembly term due to Californias strict term limits, has built his reputation fighting those very policies. While he openly acknowledges that LaMalfas legacy sets a high bar, he insists he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility in Congress and continue that fight on a larger stage.
"There will never be another Doug LaMalfa; he was one of a kind, but I feel like I have the ability and support of people to do that mission as best I can," he told a regional outlet. His comments reflect both humility toward his predecessor and confidence that the districts conservative base is ready to rally behind him.
Under California law, Governor Newsom must set the date for the special election within 14 days of the vacancy, meaning an announcement is required by January 21, 2026. The winner will serve only through January 2027, and Gallagher has reportedly not yet committed to seeking a full subsequent term, a decision complicated by redistricting changes under Proposition 50 that have altered the contours of District 1.
As the district prepares to honor LaMalfas memory, the political transition is unfolding alongside public mourning. Memorial services for Congressman Doug LaMalfa are scheduled for January 24, 2026, at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, California, with entry limited to ticket holders, ensuring that those closest to his work and legacy can pay their respects while the voters he championed weigh who should carry his conservative banner forward in Washington.
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