"LaMalfa's death shrinks Republicans' narrow majority in the House to 218 seats over Democrats' 213. That could be reduced even further as Democrats are expected to win another seat in a special election in Texas later this month. That means the party has less room for dissent among its members as Speaker Mike Johnson tries to advance President Donald Trump's agenda ahead of the midterm elections, when the party in power historically loses."
"Under California law, Newsom has 14 days to set a date for a special election to fill the remainder of LaMalfa's term. But he can leave the seat vacant for a few months. He could set the special election as early as May or opt for June, when California will hold its primary for the 2026 midterm. The top two candidates then face off in a runoff election if no one gets at least 50% of the vote."
Doug LaMalfa's death creates a vacancy that reduces the Republican majority in the House to 218-213. Democrats are expected to pick up another seat in a Texas special election, further narrowing the margin. The slimmer majority constrains party discipline as Speaker Mike Johnson seeks to advance President Trump's agenda ahead of the 2026 midterms. California law gives Governor Gavin Newsom 14 days to set a special election date but allows him to leave the seat vacant for months. Newsom could schedule the special election as early as May or tie it to the June 2026 primary; the top two then face a runoff if no candidate receives 50%.
Read at ABC30 Fresno
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