House GOP majority shrinks as congressman dies suddenly

A California Republican has died suddenly after serving more than two decades in political office.

House GOP leadership announced Tuesday that Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) died aged 65, reported NBC News.

"Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” said Majority Whip Tom Emmer, (R-MN), the third-ranking House Republican. “Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”

LaMalfa's death shrinks the GOP majority to a precarious 218-213 advantage, with four vacancies, and his passing came as a shock to friends and colleagues on Capitol Hill.

"He’s probably one of the most genuine, most honest guys you would ever meet," said former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who had been LaMalfa's roommate in the state legislature in Sacramento. "He was a rice farmer. He represented his district so well. He would travel anywhere to talk to anybody. He went up and down the state. We were together campaigning earlier this year, but he was my roommate in Sacramento and we have been dear friends ever since."