California GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa dies at 65

California GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa has died at age 65, a top Republican said Tuesday.

Confirming the death was North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California. He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families,” Mr. Hudson said in a statement. “Doug brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service.”

Mr. LaMalfa, a fourth-generation rice farmer and former state legislator, was serving his seventh term, having represented his district since 2013.

President Trump, speaking to the House GOP caucus on Tuesday, called Mr. LaMalfa a great leader.

“He was the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues,” Mr. Trump said.

He called him a defender of America’s children and a “defender of everybody.”

“You know he voted with me 100% of the time,” Mr. Trump said, adding he never had to call Mr. LaMalfa in the middle of the night to sway him on issues.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said he is devastated about the sudden loss of his friend.

“Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” the Minnesota Republican said in a statement posted to social media. “Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”

Rep. Greg Murphy, another North Carolina Republican, added that he is “deeply stunned and incredibly saddened by the news of my friend.”

Mr. LaMalfa’s cause of death was not immediately clear.

As the GOP is grappling with Democratic campaigns to take back the House majority, Mr. LaMalfa’s passing represents an even slimmer Republican grip on the lower chamber amid departures, retirements and deaths.

Republicans now own the House with a 218-213 advantage, meaning Speaker Mike Johnson can afford no more than two defections on party-line votes with all members present and voting.

Mr. LaMalfa’s seat was among those targeted by California Democrats in their redistricting campaign to counteract Mr. Trump’s mid-decade redistricting push in red states.

As an expert on water and forestry issues, Mr. LaMalfa sat on the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. He also chaired the Congressional Western Caucus.

Rep. Young Kim, a fellow California Republican, said she remembered Mr. LaMalfa as a “genuinely kind, decent man who treated everyone with warmth and respect.”

She added, “His leadership, friendship and steady presence will be deeply missed.”