LaMalfa Seat Election Date May Frustrate GOP: California Brief

Jan. 20, 2026, 3:01 PM UTC

Gov. Gavin Newsom is complicating the GOP’s agenda, after he delayed until August a special election to fill a vacant US House seat that favors a Republican.

The special primary in the 1st District formerly held by Doug LaMalfa (R), who died Jan. 6, will be held June 2, Newsom said Friday. All candidates will run on one ballot. If no one wins a majority of votes, the top two finishers will compete in an Aug. 4 special general election. The primary could have been as early as March.

LaMalfa’s death narrowed the already slim US House GOP majority, leaving ...

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