Opinion and Commentary By Donna Westfall – January 6, 2026
Last night, 911 was called to LaMalfa’s residence. He was transported to Enloe Health and taken in for emergency surgery. He died this morning during the procedure.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The investigation will be handled by the Butte County Sheriff’s department.
I met him on several occasions in Crescent City. He was a big man and only 65 years old at the time of his passing. He spoke honestly and plainly. A no-nonsense kind of man. He was for limited government, fiscal responsibility and lower taxes. Raised in Northern California where he spent his life, he was a fourth generation rice farmer, husband and father. Years ago, he sent me a letter supporting my bid in politics.
His dive into politics began in 2002 and ended as a Congressman serving from 2013 to present. I liked his stance on the bullet train project citing that the numbers to not work Against same sex marriage. And strong supporter of 2nd Amendment rights. As an Assemblyman, in 2007, LaMalfa successfully passed AB 1645, a law that would prevent seizures of firearms in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. This was the first pro-gun legislation passed and signed into law in a decade.
A lifelong Republican. He represented the first district which encompasses counties and cities from the Southern Oregon boarder down into the Sacramento valley. His passing reduced the Republican’s control of the House down to 218. Democrats are at 213.
He leaves behind wife, Jill, four children and had recently become a grandfather. I liked the man and will miss him.
