latest news in congressional retreat

House Republican Majority Narrows to 218 Seats Following Sudden Death of Representative LaMalfa

House Republican Majority Narrows to 218 Seats Following Sudden Death of Representative LaMalfa

Washington D.C., Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
California Representative Doug LaMalfa’s sudden passing on January 5 shrinks the House Republican majority to a precarious 218-213 margin. This fragile math leaves Speaker Johnson with almost no room for dissent as the administration pursues its 2026 legislative agenda.