After the unexpected death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), California Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher (AD3), who has vociferously opposed Governor Gavin Newsom and his Democrat supermajority, has thrown his hat into the ring to fill LaMalfa’s seat.
Today, California State Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-AD3) announced he will be a candidate in the upcoming Special Election in the First Congressional District to fill the vacancy created by the tragic death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
“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. “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.”
INBOX: Outgoing Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher announces run in the #CA01 special election for the seat left vacant by Doug LaMalfa’s death, with Jill LaMalfa backing him. pic.twitter.com/lAiwCIRbcb
— Rob Pyers (@rpyers) January 14, 2026
Gallagher has Jill LaMalfa’s endorsement, and she issued this statement of support.
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.
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.
James and Janna Gallagher and I have spent much time talking and praying about this decision. It’s 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. James will put “his hat in the ring”( a ‘Dougism’) and is willing to finish Doug’s current term through to January 1, 2027. The kids and I believe this is what Doug would have wanted. James has our full support.
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Gallagher is a solid choice to win the seat, and the type of representative District 1 would deem worthy to send to D.C. in Doug LaMalfa’s place. District 1 constituents despise Governor Newsom and the destruction he has wrought over the last eight years through his forest mismanagement, which has resulted in multiple years of damaging wildfires, his waste of state resources, and his attack on agriculture and water concerns.
Due to California’s term limits, Gallagher is serving out his last Assembly term. While LaMalfa leaves big shoes to fill, Gallagher understands what is at stake and is ready to take up the mantle. He told one regional journal:
“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”.
According to California law, Newsom is required to announce the date of the special election within 14 days — by January 21, 2026. This special election will be to complete LaMalfa’s term through January 2027. According to reports, Gallagher has not indicated whether he plans to run for another two-year term, particularly since District 1 has been carved up thanks to the passage of Prop. 50.
Memorial services for Congressman Doug LaMalfa will be held on January 24, 2026 at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, CA. Entry is restricted to ticket holders only.
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