Sudden death of Republican lawmaker narrows GOP House margin

California Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa has died at 65, and colleagues said his passing further narrows the Republican majority in the U.S. House, which they reported as a two-vote margin following a recent resignation.

California Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa has died at age 65, according to statements from fellow lawmakers. Colleagues offered tributes, describing him as a principled conservative and an advocate for rural communities. His death was announced amid other recent changes in House membership. The development is being reported as reducing the Republican majority in the House. Key reported facts: - Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican, died at 65, as announced by Capitol Hill colleagues. - Colleagues described him as a committed advocate for rural communities and working families. - Reports say his death further narrows the Republican House majority, described in statements as a two-vote margin after a recent resignation. Summary: The immediate effect reported is a smaller Republican majority in the House. Officials and reports note upcoming electoral events that will alter the chamber's makeup, including a Jan. 31 runoff in Texas and a special election scheduled for April.