In the wake of the passing of Doug LaMalfa, the former representative for California's First District, Assemblyman James Gallagher has officially announced his candidacy to fill the vacant seat. Gallagher, a Republican, has received the endorsement of the LaMalfa family, solidifying his position as a leading contender in the upcoming special election.

On January 14, 2026, President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 (S. 222) into law during a White House ceremony attended by lawmakers, dairy farmers, and children. This bipartisan legislation allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)—which serves nearly 30 million students daily—to offer whole milk and 2% reduced-fat milk alongside the previously mandated fat-free and low-fat (1%) options.

Shasta County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution in support of a state split presented by Assembly Member James Gallagher and a separate resolution to place the citizen-led petition for local election reforms on the June 2026 ballot.