California Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa died Tuesday at the age of 65, his office announced. His death further tightens the Republican Party's already slim majority in the House of Representatives, potentially endangering Speaker Mike Johnson's control of the chamber.

LaMalfa, a fourth-generation rice farmer who had represented California's 1st Congressional District since 2013, died in a hospital while undergoing emergency surgery. According to the Butte County Sheriff's Office, he was transported by ambulance after suffering a medical emergency at his home. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.

"Congressman Doug LaMalfa cared deeply for the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word," his chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, said in a statement.

LaMalfa's death reduces the Republican majority in the House to 218 members, compared to 213 Democrats. The party's margin had already narrowed with the resignation of Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday. Democrats are favored to gain additional seats in upcoming special elections, increasing pressure on Speaker Johnson.

House leaders from both parties expressed condolences. Speaker Johnson called LaMalfa "a fierce fighter for his state's vast natural resources," while Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries noted his "principled purpose" in serving his constituents. President Donald Trump, addressing the House GOP conference, remarked, "He was a fantastic person. He voted with me 100% of the time."

LaMalfa chaired the Congressional Western Caucus and served on key committees including Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure. He was a prominent voice on California water and agricultural issues.

Under California election law, Governor Gavin Newsom must call a special election within 14 days, with the vote to be held no later than 140 days after the proclamation. This timeline could see the election to fill the vacancy occur as late as June.