The Doug LaMalfa I covered: Authentic, cranky and deeply caring
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
- Authentic leadership: A farmer who stayed deeply connected to his North State roots.
- Blunt but caring: A no-nonsense style paired with genuine warmth toward constituents and staff.
- Wildfire and dam focus: Passionate about wildfire prevention and the Oroville Dam spillway disaster.
- Legacy in flux: His death raises questions about a forthcoming special election and the district’s future representation.
A politician unlike any other
CalMatters’ Ryan Sabalow offers a intimate portrait of a fourth‑generation rice farmer from Butte County who connected with voters by showing up—whether at Rotary Club luncheons, county fairs, or car shows. Elected to Congress in 2012, he remained a recognizable rural figure as district lines shifted. While the author’s environmental reporting sometimes critiqued his stance, he respected LaMalfa’s authenticity: a man who never prided himself on a polished podium, but on being “one of us.”
LaMalfa’s accessibility extended beyond politics. Dahle, a former rival turned ally, recalled his ability to be found in Modoc, Plumas, Siskiyou, and Chico—always on the road back to the people. The reporter notes his career arc—from planting rice to policy—anchored by a deep sense of place, which made him a fixture in the rural North State.
Never afraid to speak his mind
LaMalfa’s legacy includes a fierce commitment to wildfire prevention and dam safety. He publicly pressed officials during the Oroville Dam spillway crisis in 2017 and the Paradise Camp Fire, often challenging leadership in real time. A memorable episode featured a conference call where he spoke bluntly to those in charge, followed by personal moments—like a tour of the Oroville spillway in his red Thunderbird—that underscored his blend of candor and care.
Despite partisan divides, he sometimes bridged gaps—waiting to speak with President Biden after State of the Union addresses to advocate for wildfire prevention and other local priorities. Even adversaries described him as authentic and deeply committed to constituents, a stance admired by many and questioned by others. Erin Mellon, though a Democrat, highlighted his respectful humanity despite tough exchanges.
LaMalfa is survived by his wife Jill, four children, one grandchild, two sisters, and numerous cousins, according to his office. This remembrance reflects a rural leader whose legacy—though contested—was defined by staying true to where he came from and who he served.
This article was originally published on CalMatters and republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.
All content remains focused on the impact and legacy of a rural California representative and the ongoing questions about representation after his passing.
Source: https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/lamalfa-death-remembrance/
Source: https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/lamalfa-death-remembrance/
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