Congressional Leadership and Control

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a 65-year-old, seven-term Republican who represented California’s 1st District since 2013 and was a fourth-generation rice farmer, has died — reportedly during emergency surgery — prompting tributes from Republican colleagues and President Trump, who dedicated a speech to him. His death reduces the House GOP majority to 218–213, narrowing Speaker Mike Johnson’s margin so leaders can afford only two defections on party-line votes; California Gov. Gavin Newsom must call a special election for the seat within weeks, and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation took effect the same day with her seat set for a March 10 special election.