President Donald Trump praised LaMalfa as a "fantastic person." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
LaMalfa, 65, died Tuesday morning, but the circumstances of his passing have yet to be confirmed.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., confirmed LaMalfa's death on X.
"Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children," Emmer said.
Trump praised LaMalfa's conduct in Congress, saying he never had to call the California lawmaker to rally his support. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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His death brings House Republicans' majority down to 218–213, meaning Republicans now can lose only two votes to pass legislation along party lines.
Fox News' Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-dedicates-kennedy-center-speech-doug-lamalfa-after-congressmans-shocking-death-he-our-friend