Congressman Doug LaMalfa, 65, a conservative Republican and rice farmer from California’s 1st District, died suddenly Monday night at his Richvale home. Elected in 2013, LaMalfa was known for staunch conservative views. Despite his partisanship, he worked with Democrats on opposing the removal of the Potter Valley Project, while also championing the Sites Reservoir and fighting dam decommissioning. His death triggers a special election. Both Congressman Mike Thompson and Governor Gavin Newsom, who ordered flags lowered, praised him as a devoted public servant.