Former Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s widow has endorsed former California Assembly leader James Gallagher to fill her husband’s House seat.
The former representative died last week, leaving his Northern California House seat vacant.
“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.,” Jill LaMalfa said in a statement published by Gallagher’s campaign. “The tireless work and unimaginable hours spent away from family by Doug and his entire staff, cannot be left to end in vain.”
Gallagher served as the California Assembly’s Minority Leader from 2022 until this past September. He represented the state’s third district, which covers Doug LaMalfa’s hometown of Oroville.
He’ll now likely be the front-runner in the special election to fill the late representative’s seat.
“Doug LaMalfa was my mentor, friend and a representative of the People in the truest sense of the word. Doug’s focus was always on his constituents and the American values he cherished so deeply,” Gallagher said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
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It’s unclear what date Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) will set the special election for.
The midterm elections are later this year, and LaMalfa’s district is one of those that have been redrawn to skew more Democratic as part of the state’s redistricting effort. It’s unknown if Gallagher will also run in the midterm election if he wins the special.