James Gallagher Enters Race to Succeed Doug LaMalfa in California's First District

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.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher says Republicans will push back on Democratic-led redistricting proposal in California, August 18, 2025. Gerardo Zavala/CapRadio

Background on James Gallagher

James Gallagher is a Republican politician from California, born on March 4, 1981, in Yuba City. He comes from a family with deep roots in the region—his paternal grandfather served on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors from 1985 to 1989, and Gallagher himself is a partner in his family's fifth-generation rice and walnut farming operation. He graduated from East Nicolaus High School, earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, and obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law. Since 2007, he has practiced law, primarily serving agricultural clients through his firm, Rice Lawyers, Inc. Gallagher is married to his wife Janna, whom he met in kindergarten, and they have five children.

Political Career

Gallagher's entry into politics began as a fellow for then-State Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, who later became a U.S. Congressman. In 2008, Gallagher was elected to the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, serving from 2009 to 2014. He then successfully ran for the California State Assembly in 2014, representing District 3, which covers parts of the northern Sacramento Valley, including Butte, Glenn, Placer, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba counties. He has been reelected multiple times, typically winning with around 60-65% of the vote.

In the Assembly, Gallagher held key leadership roles: he served as Republican Caucus Chairman starting in 2017 and as Minority Leader from February 2022 to September 2025, when he was succeeded by Heath Flora. As Minority Leader, he was a prominent voice for the GOP minority in a Democratic-dominated legislature, often criticizing policies from Governor Gavin Newsom and advocating for rural interests. His legislative accomplishments include bills to support recovery efforts in Paradise after the 2018 Camp Fire, improve access to safe drinking water in communities like Willows, modernize terminology for hearing-impaired individuals, restrict placements of sexually violent predators, and provide housing relief for wildfire victims. He has also pushed for policies aiding military families, such as temporary professional licenses for spouses.

Endorsement from the LaMalfa Family & President Trump

The endorsement from the LaMalfa family and President Trump is a significant boost for Gallagher's campaign. Doug LaMalfa served in Congress for over a decade and was a prominent figure in the Republican Party. His family expressed their support for Gallagher, stating that they believe he embodies the values and dedication that Doug represented during his tenure. This endorsement not only provides Gallagher with a strong political backing but also connects him to the late representative's legacy, appealing to voters who admired LaMalfa's work.

Gallagher's State Split Proposal

One of Gallagher's most ambitious legislative efforts is his proposal for a State Split bill, which aims to divide California into several smaller states. This proposal has garnered both support and criticism, with proponents arguing that smaller states could lead to more localized governance and better address the diverse needs of California's population. Gallagher has emphasized that his plan is designed to empower local communities and give them a greater voice in their governance.

A rendering of the map proposed by Assemblyman James Gallagher for the creation of a 51st state. Image via Assemblyman James Gallagher's Office

Campaign Strategy and Goals

As Gallagher embarks on his campaign, he aims to connect with voters by focusing on key issues such as economic recovery, public safety, and education reform. His experience in the Assembly will likely play a crucial role in his campaign strategy, as he seeks to leverage his legislative accomplishments to demonstrate his capability to represent the First District effectively.

Gallagher's campaign is expected to draw significant attention, not only due to the endorsement from the LaMalfa family but also because of the high stakes involved in filling the vacancy left by a long-serving congressman. As the race heats up, Gallagher will face competition from other candidates, but his established political presence and clear policy proposals position him as a formidable candidate.

Looking Ahead

The special election to replace Doug LaMalfa is anticipated to take place in the coming months. As Gallagher campaigns, he will need to rally support from both Republican and independent voters, emphasizing his commitment to the values and priorities of the First District. With the backing of the LaMalfa family and a focus on impactful legislation, Gallagher aims to honor his predecessor's legacy while forging a path forward for the constituents of California's First District.

Sources:

1. California Republican lawmaker James Gallagher says he'll run to finish Rep. Doug LaMalfa's term - KCRA (Published: Jan 14, 2026) https://www.kcra.com/article/james-gallagher-run-for-district-1-doug-lamalfa/70000028

2. James Gallagher announces run to replace late Congressman Doug LaMalfa - YouTube (Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p5FZWsbYFo

3. Former Assembly Minority Leader Gallagher running to replace late Rep. LaMalfa - KGET (Published: Jan 14, 2026) https://www.kget.com/inside-california-politics/gallagher-running-to-replace-late-rep-lamalfa

4. James Gallagher gets endorsement for Congress from President Donald Trump - The Mendocino Beacon (Published: Feb 4, 2026) https://www.mendocinobeacon.com/2026/02/04/james-gallagher-gets-endorsement-for-congress-from-president-donald-trump

5. California lawmaker James Gallagher announces run for Doug LaMalfa's seat in Congress - Shasta Scout (Published: Jan 14, 2026) https://shastascout.org/california-lawmaker-james-gallagher-announces-run-for-doug-lamalfas-seat-in-congress

6. Gallagher enters race to fill LaMalfa's congressional seat - Agri-Pulse (Published: Jan 14, 2026) https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24028-gallagher-enters-race-to-fill-lamalfas-congressional-seat

7. Assemblyman James Gallagher to run in CA 1 Special Election with the support of Jill LaMalfa - Elect James Gallagher https://electjamesgallagher.com/assemblyman-james-gallagher-to-run-in-ca-1-special-election-with-the-support-of-jill-lamalfa

8. Gallagher says he'll follow LaMalfa's path in congressional run - KRCR https://krcrtv.com/news/local/gallagher-says-hell-follow-lamalfas-path-in-congressional-run

9. Former Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher announced his campaign to replace the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa - FOX40 (Facebook Post) https://www.facebook.com/fox40/posts/former-assembly-minority-leader-james-gallagher-announced-his-campaign-to-replac/1446676360376337

10. Gallagher running to replace late Rep. LaMalfa - YouTube (Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfA5OsQRkDk

Sources on the California State Split Proposal (AJR 23)

1. Bill Text: CA AJR23 | 2025-2026 | Regular Session | Introduced - LegiScan (Published: Aug 26, 2025) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AJR23/id/3266412

2. AJR 23: New state formation - Digital Democracy (CalMatters) https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ajr23

3. James Gallagher's bill to split California eyed by Shasta County - Record Searchlight (Published: Nov 4, 2025) https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2025/11/04/james-gallaghers-bill-to-split-california-eyed-by-shasta-county/87071624007

4. “Let My People Go” GOP Leader Gallagher Demands New State for Inland California - AD03 (Published: Aug 27, 2025) https://ad03.asmrc.org/2025/08/27/let-my-people-go-gop-leader-gallagher-demands-new-state-for-inland-california

5. California assembly member proposes dividing state into inland and coastal regions - KRCR (Published: Aug 27, 2025) https://krcrtv.com/news/local/california-assembly-member-proposes-dividing-state-into-inland-and-coastal-regions

6. This week, 166 years ago, voters in southern California approved a measure to separate from the state and form a new territory - Ballotpedia News (Published: Sep 4, 2025) https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/09/04/this-week-166-years-ago-voters-in-southern-california-approved-a-measure-to-separate-from-the-state-and-form-a-new-territory

7. BREAKING: Assembly Leader Gallagher's 2-State Solution to California's Malfeasance - California Globe https://californiaglobe.com/articles/breaking-assembly-leader-gallaghers-2-state-solution-to-californias-malfeasance

8. GOP proposal for splitting California into two states is dead on arrival | Opinion - Fresno Bee (Published: Aug 28, 2025) https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article311874558.html

9. Shasta County Supervisors Support Proposal to Split California - Contra Costa News (Published: Nov 12, 2025) https://contracosta.news/2025/11/12/shasta-county-supervisors-support-proposal-to-split-california

10. California assemblyman proposes splitting state into two distinct regions - YouTube (Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra7bPtT6r6w