After LaMalfa’s Death, Democrats Move Quickly for Fundraising

The California Democratic Party didn’t wait long to start fundraising for the recently opened state House seat. Just a day after the funeral of Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, they sent out emails to donors.

LaMalfa, who served California’s 1st Congressional District since 2013, passed away on January 6 at 65 due to an aneurysm followed by a heart attack. A memorial service for the congressman brought together both Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Saturday. However, by Sunday, the California Democrats were already mobilizing for a special election to fill his position.

In an email screenshot shared by Ashley Zavala, KCRA3’s Political Director, Democrats urged supporters to “donate now to fund organizing for up and down seats in the state.” They highlighted that with the Republican majority in the U.S. House effectively diminished, winning this seat could shift control to Democrats even prior to the midterm elections in November.

“I guess it seems like a real opportunity,” the email stated. “We have a chance to turn red seats into blue ones, and we’re ready to act.” It went on to say, “We won’t stop organizing in key states. California is pivotal for regaining control of the U.S. House.” They added a sense of urgency, asking for quick donations.

Big changes are coming for California’s congressional map after voters approved Proposition 50, which was backed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. This gerrymandered map, upheld by a three-judge panel, could potentially cut the Republican congressional seats from nine to four as district lines are redrawn.

LaMalfa’s district is among those affected, but the late congressman had intended to run for re-election in the newly configured district.

Following LaMalfa’s passing, Newsom announced on January 16 that a special election would take place on August 4. State law mandates that a special election be called within two weeks following the death of a Republican lawmaker, with a 140-day window for holding the election, extending to 200 days if merged with another legislative race.

During California’s June 2 primary, voters can also participate in the special election primary for the 1st Congressional District. A candidate who secures over 50% of the votes will win and serve the remainder of LaMalfa’s term until January 3, 2027.

Republicans expressed strong criticism regarding Newsom’s timeline for the special election. A letter from the California Congressional Republican Caucus emphasized that rural residents suffer from inadequate representation in both state and federal legislatures.

They argued, “Leaving a Congressional seat vacant in one of California’s largest rural districts conveys that our voices aren’t prioritized.”

In response, Newsom told the Los Angeles Times that merging both elections would help minimize “voter confusion,” as different district boundaries would be used for separate elections.