Newsom schedules election to fill seat of deceased California GOP congressman on last possible date

The winner of the election will serve only the remainder of the term, which expires about three months after Election Day.

By Joseph Weber

Published: January 19, 2026 11:10am

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has set the date for a special election to fill the open seat of GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa on the latest day possible under state law.

The date is set for Aug. 4, according to the news outlet RollCall.com. The winner of the election will serve only the remainder of the term, which expires about three months after Election Day.

Republicans who control the House have only a few-vote majority, and not having a reliable GOP vote from LaMalfa's district will only add to the party's challenges in getting enough "yes" votes to pass its legislation.

Newsom made the announcement Friday. LaMalfa, was a seventh-term Republican from Northern California known for his focus on agriculture and forestry policies. He died on Jan. 6 at age 65, Roll Call also reports.