With new maps, Democrats have a chance to flip a U.S. House seat in California

 

Election results:  Ballotpedia

Headline:  The Downballot, 1/7/2026

David Nir and Jeff Singer report:

Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 65, a development that both narrows the House GOP’s already slim majority and will set off a special election to succeed him. 

LaMalfa, who Politico reports experienced an aneurysm and a heart attack, had no known serious health problems before his death. The congressman even told NOTUS last month that he would seek an eighth term in Northern California’s 1st Congressional District, which just became dramatically bluer following the state’s adoption of a new House map in November. 

Despite the major changes made to his district, LaMalfa said the revamped map “makes me more invigorated to run” and was preparing for what would have been his first competitive race since he was first elected to Congress in 2012.

Old map
 

New map.  (Which isn't supposed to go into effect until 2026 midterm elections.)

 

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