CHICO, Calif. — A packed house inside the Palms in Chico was on hand to witness California State Assemblyman James Gallagher become the newest member of Congress after winning the District 1 Special Election, after the Associated Press (AP News) called the race.
The Yuba City native secured more than sixty-two percent of the vote on Tuesday, June 2 2026. The former State Assembly leader now is set to serve the remainder of the term of former Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
Following the announcement, Gallagher was overcome with emotion and was highly appreciative of the turnout from the Northstate on election night.
“I’m just like a mix of emotions, from missing Congressman Doug Lamolfa, who is a mentor to me, but also just feeling like just overwhelmed by the amount of support that we’ve had tonight.” said Gallagher.” I think it sent a message that, you know, we’re not going to be broken up, man. Like we want representation. The North State sticks together. We stand strong. We’re united tonight and we sent a big message across the nation.”
“He’s going to carry on Doug’s legacy” said Jill LaMalfa, the widow of Doug LaMalfa.
” I know he’s going to do it in his fashion because he’s James and he’s gonna do it in his style, but I know he and Doug were similar in how they think and that was also why I thought he was the best man for the job”.
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Gallagher also is in a commanding lead for this November’s General Election for the vote in the redrawn District 1 Congressional seat. Senator Mike McGuire, who also advanced to that election says he loved the voter turnout for their campaign. He now shifts his focus to that showdown in November.
“Our eyes are on November” said McGuire.
“We hosted over forty town halls over the past seven months and it is clear folks want a fighter for rural communities, they don’t want a representative who will fold for Donald Trump and .who will put Donald Trump’s objectives and goals over the Northstate”.
Gallagher will now represent the former District 1 until January. He will be sworn in during a ceremony at the Oroville State Theater on June 16 at 11 AM.
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