Yuba City CA – Today, California State Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-AD3) announced he will be a candidate in the upcoming Special Election in the First Congressional District to fill the vacancy created by the tragic death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
“Doug LaMalfa was my mentor, friend and a representative of the People in the truest sense of the word. Doug’s focus was always on his constituents and the American values he cherished so deeply,” said Gallagher. “His death was a shock to all of us, and leaves a great void of leadership here in the North State. After much prayer and reflection with my own family, and with the LaMalfa family, and hearing from many of you, I have decided I will seek election to serve out the remaining months of Doug’s term. I will be a candidate in the Special Election for Congress in the First District.”
Gallagher continued: “Janna and I are so grateful to have the support of Jill LaMalfa and her family as we move forward to earn the support of the people of the 1st Congressional District to carry on Doug’s good work.”
Jill LaMalfa’s statement: “In the midst of our sadness and navigation of such a profound loss, I find myself very concerned about who may replace Doug as our Representative in Washington, DC. The tireless work and unimaginable hours spent away from family by Doug and his entire staff, cannot be left to end in vain.
“I believe I am called to pull in and help access healing in our family as we find our way through the heartache and emptiness. Through much prayer, I believe there is a way forward. A way that leaves very little to change from how Doug would have done it, the way he would have cared for all of you in the 1st Congressional District of California.
“James and Janna Gallagher and I have spent much time talking and praying about this decision. It’s a huge ask of them, especially while raising their young family. They well-know what leadership requires of them, and they have agreed this is the next place for them to serve. James will put “his hat in the ring”( a ‘Dougism’) and is willing to finish Doug’s current term through to January 1, 2027. The kids and I believe this is what Doug would have wanted. James has our full support.
James Gallagher concluded: “My pledge to the people of the First District, is that I will work tirelessly to maintain the type of representation that is Doug’s legacy – always willing to listen, putting the people first, being a strong voice for our rural communities and standing tall for the values we hold dear – faith, family, and freedom.”
Assemblyman James Gallagher’s family has called the North State home since 1868. Since being elected to the State Assembly in 2014, James has been a voice for common sense policies that reduce burdensome regulations and taxes on families and small businesses, reduce wildfire risk, support law enforcement and protect the north state’s water resources. As the Republican Leader in the Assembly, he secured several big wins in key races picking up two seats in 2024. An attorney and partner in the family’s farming business, James Gallagher is married to his high school sweetheart Janna and they have five children
