Photo: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Rep. Doug LaMalfa — a Republican rice farmer who has served in Congress since 2012, representing the Redding-Chico area — has died at age 65. Politico reports that he suffered a sudden aneurysm and a heart attack.

A climate change skeptic and election denier, LaMalfa was a solid vote for President Donald Trump. Trump paid tribute to him this morning:

The First Congressional District, which LaMalfa represented was dramatically redrawn with the passage of Proposition 50 last year, to give it a Democratic majority. In the election later this year, the First District will stretch from the Chico area — close to LaMalfa’s home — all the way over to Santa Rosa, Ukiah and Willits.

LaMalfa was set to run against State Sen. Mike McGuire, the Healdsburg Democrat who has represented Humboldt County in the state legislature since 2014. McGuire issued a statement about the passing of his opponent on social media:

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a press release:

Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa:

“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented. While we often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day for the people of California with conviction and care. He will be deeply missed.

“Jennifer and I are holding Doug’s family, loved ones, and colleagues in our thoughts as California mourns his passing.”

In honor of Congressman LaMalfa, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.