Death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa reduces House Republican majority to 218

Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California, died during an emergency surgery at 65, the sudden loss occurring on the first day of the new congressional session and on the same day Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation took effect — leaving House Republicans with a bare minimum majority of 218 votes.

Speaker Mike Johnson can afford just two defections on any party-line vote if all members are present, a precarious margin in an election year when many members are often absent. President Trump defended Mr. Johnson at a party retreat, saying, “He’s tough. He’s tough as anybody in the room, actually.

But can’t be tough when you have a majority of three, and now sadly, a little bit less than that.” The absence of Representative Jim Baird after a serious car accident and the frequent dissent of Representative Thomas Massie were also noted as complicating the speaker’s position. Republicans said a disproportionate number of their members are running for statewide offices, with examples including Representative Chip Roy for Texas attorney general; Representative Nancy Mace for South Carolina governor; Representatives Andy Biggs and David Schweikert running against each other for Arizona governor; Representative Wesley Hunt for Senate in Texas; and Representatives Earl L.

Carter and Mike Collins in the Republican primary for Senate in Georgia. Democrats are expected to fill two vacancies in coming months — a Jan.

Key Topics

Politics, Doug Lamalfa, House Republicans, Mike Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Special Election