The U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON – California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa has died and Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Baird was injured in a car accident, President Donald Trump said Tuesday.
At a meeting of House Republicans at the Kennedy Center, Trump said he wanted to express “our tremendous sadness” after LaMalfa’s death and said the congressman was “a passionate advocate for California’s water issues.”
“I also want to extend our best wishes to Congressman Jim Baird and his wife as they recover from a car accident. They will be fine. But they were in a pretty bad accident,” Trump said. “And we pray that they get out of the hospital very quickly. He’ll be fine. She’ll be fine. But it was a bad accident.”
LaMalfa’s cause of death was not immediately clear Tuesday morning. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement that they received a 911 call from LaMalfa’s home Monday evening regarding a medical emergency.
The congressman was taken to Enloe Hospital, where he died during emergency surgery, according to the sheriff’s office.
“In accordance with standard protocols, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Department is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death,” the statement said. “A forensic pathologist is scheduled to perform an autopsy as part of this investigation.”
LaMalfa’s death will reduce Republicans’ already slim majority in the House, making it harder for that chamber’s leadership to pass legislation that isn’t bipartisan.
Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigned earlier this weekCombined with LaMalfa’s death, the GOP majority drops to 218 seats.
Baird’s absence until he recovers and can vote in person further reduces the number to 217. And it could be narrowed even further if GOP lawmakers miss votes for other reasons.
Democrats control 213 seats in the House, giving Republican leaders almost no room for defections on partisan bills.
LaMalfa, 65, was first sworn in as a member of Congress in January 2013, representing California 1st Congressional Districtwhich covers much of the northeastern corner of the state.
Baird, 80, has been a member of Congress for seven years, representing Indiana 4th Congressional District Voters in the central and northwestern parts of the state.
Baird’s office released a statement shortly after Trump’s announcement saying the congressman “is in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and he is extremely grateful for everyone’s prayers during this time.”
“Congressman Baird looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of Hoosiers. Congressman Baird’s office will continue to provide services and support to those who need them. Congressman Baird and his office remain steadfast in their commitment to serving constituents and are focused on advocating for Hoosiers at the highest levels of government.”
Johnson and Jeffries mourn LaMalfa
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., released a statement saying, “Congress is devastated to learn of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Doug LaMalfa this morning.”
“Doug was a lifelong resident of Northern California and deeply loved its people. He was as passionate a champion of his state’s vast natural resources and beauty as ever before,” Johnson wrote. “Today we mourn the loss of our friend and brother and express our respect for his life and work to his wife Jill and the LaMalfa family during this difficult time.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York wrote in a statement that he “joins people across Northern California who mourn the untimely death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.”
“Doug and I joined Congress as classmates in 2013, and it was an honor to witness firsthand his passion and personal determination for more than a decade,” Jeffries wrote.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., released a written statement saying he was “devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Doug LaMalfa.”
“A fourth-generation rice farmer, he fought passionately for the region’s agricultural community and small businesses and was elected chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus in 2024, focusing on the priorities of western and rural America,” Scalise wrote. “He also worked to strengthen disaster response efforts and funding for rural schools.”
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson of North Carolina wrote in a statement that he was “deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa.”
“I enjoyed our time together on the Agriculture Committee and discussing NASCAR; he was a true gearhead and motorsports fan,” Hudson wrote. “I will miss my ‘amigo’ very much.” Renee and I are praying for his beloved wife Jill, as well as Kyle, Allison, Sophia, Natalie and all of his loved ones, friends and co-workers during this incredibly tough time.”
- 8:15 p.mThis report has been corrected to reflect the current Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
