Defender of Life and Pregnancy Resource Centers; Champion for Women’s Sports and Fairness

SACRAMENTO–California Family Council (CFC) is deeply saddened by the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. He was a strong supporter of the values at the heart of our mission and worked tirelessly for the unborn, for families, and for religious freedom.

“I am truly heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” said Jonathan Keller, President and CEO of California Family Council. “He was a rare blend of fierce and funny. Whether it was defending pregnancy centers on the steps of SCOTUS in the pouring rain, pushing back against men’s invasion of women’s sports, or fighting to protect children from irreversible gender procedures, Doug was the epitome of a ‘happy warrior.’ Our prayers are with his family and friends, and we are grateful we will see him again one day.”

Since 2013, Congressman LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District, consistently upholding the principles that built our nation and the biblical values that support strong families and communities. His advocacy aligned closely with California Family Council’s mission to advance life, family, and liberty.

A Defender of Life and Pregnancy Resource Centers

Congressman LaMalfa believed every human life deserves protection from conception to natural death. He consistently defended pregnancy resource centers, recognizing their essential support for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.

In 2018, Congressman LaMalfa led 144 members  of the House and Senate in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the landmark case National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra. This case challenged California’s Reproductive FACT Act (AB 775), which unconstitutionally compelled pro-life pregnancy centers to advertise abortion services—forcing them to speak messages fundamentally contrary to their mission and beliefs. He then spoke on the steps of SCOTUS alongside CFC President Jonathan Keller during the oral arguments for the case despite frigid temperatures and driving rain.

When the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the pregnancy centers, Congressman LaMalfa declared:

“The Reproductive FACT Act is an affront to our constitutionally protected freedom of speech. No person or entity can be forced to promote ideas in which they do not believe or even oppose, but that’s exactly what’s happening. The government cannot force individuals or private entities to say things they do not believe. California’s pro-life pregnancy centers are helping local communities by providing crucial services and supplies at no cost to expectant mothers. The State of California’s shameful attempt to compel these centers to advertise abortion services was a gross violation of the First Amendment, and I applaud the Supreme Court’s protection of free speech.”

Congressman LaMalfa regularly cosponsored resolutions designating “National Pregnancy Center Week,” affirming that these centers “play a vital role in saving lives and serving women and men faced with difficult pregnancy decisions.” During his congressional tenure, Congressman LaMalfa maintained a consistent pro-life voting record, defending the unborn and protecting the consciences of taxpayers opposed to abortion funding.

A Champion for Women’s Sports and Fairness

Congressman LaMalfa also led the charge to preserve women’s sports as spaces where female athletes could compete fairly and safely. He recognized that biological reality matters and that girls and women deserve opportunities to excel in athletic competition without disadvantage.

As an original cosponsor of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in multiple congressional sessions, Congressman LaMalfa worked tirelessly to ensure that Title IX’s protections for women’s athletics would not be undermined by policies allowing biological males to compete in female sports.

Following House passage of H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, just weeks before his tragic death, Congressman LaMalfa stated:

“This passage is a significant win for fairness and integrity in women’s sports. This bill ensures that female athletes can compete on an even playing field, staying true to the original purpose of Title IX. Women and girls deserve the chance to succeed in sports based on their own hard work and talent, without facing the unfair challenge of competing against biological males. This legislation stands up for the rights of female athletes, protecting their right to privacy and safety in places like bathrooms and locker rooms, and preserving the principles of competition and fair play that are at the heart of sports.”

During House floor debate, he challenged his colleagues:

“Why are we even having to discuss this? It’s amazing to me that the idea that we would have XY chromosome males competing and taking the place of women and girls in sports is just mind-blowing. Where are we in society that we’re doing this? Where are the feminists? Where are the people who fought so hard to get rights for women?”

Riley Gaines, former NCAA swimmer and women’s sports advocate, expressed her grief on X:

A Protector of Children and Parental Rights

“Perhaps nowhere was Congressman LaMalfa’s commitment to children more evident than in his tireless efforts to protect minors from experimental and irreversible gender procedures. He understood that children deserve protection, that parents have the God-given right and responsibility to guide their children’s upbringing, and that medical interventions with permanent consequences should never be rushed upon developing young people.”

In May 2023, Congressman LaMalfa introduced two landmark pieces of legislation: the Protecting Children from Experimentation Act and the End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act. Both bills, introduced jointly with Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., in the Senate, were endorsed by leading pro-family organizations, including Family Research Council, Heritage Action for America, Concerned Women for America, American College of Pediatricians, Alliance Defending Freedom, and others.

“Across the country, vulnerable children are being exposed to radical gender transition ideology and pressured into going through invasive and irreversible medical procedures,” Congressman LaMalfa stated. “Minors should not be making these permanent decisions as minors. Adults should not be pushing minor children and teens into irreversible decisions either. Let kids be kids and wait until adulthood to make a choice they likely wish they hadn’t as a child.”

The Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act, co-introduced with Congressman Jim Banks, would lengthen the statute of limitations up to 30 years for children who transition as minors and later determine they were harmed as a result, providing vital legal recourse for victims of these experimental procedures.

Brandon Showalter, journalist and advocate for children, offered his condolences:

“Rep. LaMalfa courageously led the charge in DC against the spread of gender ideology before many realized how dangerous it is. He was our Rep in NorCal, and his office was always welcoming to CHANGED. Whether it was standing with us in opposition to the Equality Act or our support of his legislation protecting children from sex-rejecting procedures, we partnered together. We are heartbroken by his death and are praying for his family and staff. His death is a great loss for California and the Nation.”

Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA) shared:

A Legacy of Principled Leadership

“Congressman LaMalfa’s approach to public service embodied what it means to be a ‘happy warrior.’ He fought fiercely for truth and justice while maintaining joy, humor, and grace. He demonstrated that conviction and kindness are not contradictory but complementary virtues in the public square. His friendship, his faithfulness, and his willingness to stand when standing was costly will be deeply missed.”

From advocating for life and religious liberty to defending women’s sports and protecting children, Congressman LaMalfa consistently championed principles that have sustained families and communities for generations. He recognized these issues as both moral and spiritual challenges for our nation.

California Family Council extends heartfelt condolences to Congressman LaMalfa’s wife, Jill, their children Kyle, Allison, Sophia, and Natalie, and the entire LaMalfa family. We are grateful for his partnership in advancing life, family, and liberty, and take comfort in the promise of Scripture that we will see him again one day. As Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Congressman Doug LaMalfa lived this calling, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him and benefited from his courageous service.