Colleagues and supporters of the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa recalled him Tuesday as a fierce champion of rural, agricultural and energy interests.
The California Republican, 65, died following a medical emergency late Monday, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office said. He was transported to a hospital in Chico and died during surgery.
Yet to be determined is who will take LaMalfa’s place as chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, an influential group on energy policy. He also sat on Natural Resources and chaired the Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) is the next highest ranking member of the caucus, as its executive vice chair. Her office did not return a request for comment about her future with the group.
