Doug LaMalfa, a Republican congressman from California, has died suddenly at the age of 65. His colleagues announced the news on Tuesday, January 6.
The cause of death was not immediately clear. US President Donald Trump described LaMalfa as a simply brilliant congressman. Trump said he wanted to express his deep sadness at his loss. LaMalfa was a former rice farmer and was elected to Congress in 2013. He focused primarily on water and agriculture issues.
The resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday also reduces the number of Republican congressmen.
LaMalfa studied agricultural business at California Polytechnic State University. He previously served as a state legislator and helped those affected by the fires in his district, the BBC reports.
Another Republican congressman was hospitalized after a car accident but is expected to make a full recovery. Under California law, Gov. Gavin Newsom has 14 days to call a special election for the seat vacated by LaMalfa.