Eastern Oregon Democrats mock passing of late Congressman Doug LaMalfa
Congressman Doug LaMalfa passed away on January 6, 2026. CD2 Democrats mocked his passing while Congressman Cliff Bentz praised him as a dedicated advocate for rural America.
Oregon — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who represented a California district bordering Oregon, died on January 6, 2026. His frequent Congressional collaborator, Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz, memorialized his colleague on social media:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was not only a neighbor across state lines, representing Northern California just south of Oregon, but also a neighbor across the hall in Congress.
Doug was a thoughtful lawmaker who truly understood rural America because he lived it. He never lost sight of who he served, and he never stopped fighting for the people back home, who often felt that their way of life was under attack. Together we worked on Klamath Water issues, Secure Rural Schools, responsible forest management, wildfire prevention, and wolf delisting.
His work left a lasting impact on the West and on the families who depend on our forests, farms, and ranches. It was an honor to serve along side him. He was a true friend, and a dedicated and effective advocate. He will be missed by each and every one of us.
The Democratic Party of Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District Committee, charged with electing Democratic candidates for this constituency, was quick to comment on the post:
This is very sad for Rep LaMalfa and his family. We would have much preferred he lose his seat in the November election.
According to the Democratic Party of Oregon, the Committee is chaired by Kathleen Cathey, a longtime northeast Oregon field representative for US Senator Ron Wyden prior to her retirement. Cathey placed third on the primary ballot for Union County Commissioner in May 2026. She was elected to represent La Grande on the Union County Democratic Central Committee in that election. Her Commissioner campaign received a $1,500 contribution from Senator Wyden’s leadership PAC, “Holding Onto Oregon’s Priorities” (HOOPS).
Democrats are souless.