James Gallagher wins special election for California House seat

California Assemblyman James Gallagher won the special election to replace the late Representative Doug LaMalfa, who died earlier this year at age 65. Gallagher received nearly 63% of the vote, according to the Associated Press, and will serve the remainder of LaMalfa’s term. This victory increases the Republican count to 218 votes in the House, while Democrats hold 212 seats, with four vacancies and one independent who caucuses with Republicans. Gallagher has also advanced to the general election for the 2026 midterm elections, where he will compete against former state Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire. The special election was conducted under the 2024 district lines, which have changed the political landscape of the area, making Gallagher's path to reelection more challenging.