RIP Doug LaMalfa (1960-2026)

Several of Arizona's Republican Congressmen took to social media to express their condolences to the family of Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), who passed away this week.

"Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord," said Rep. LaMalfa's chief of staff Mark Spannagel in a statement. "Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply for the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word to fix our failing forests, build water storage, and leave people to be free to choose what is best for themselves."

The cause of death has not been released.

Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) described Rep. LaMalfa as... READ MORE

Senator Mark Kelly: Americans are struggling to pay bills and what is the President of the United States worried about? Taking over Greenland. This is dumb and undermines the alliances that keep our country safe.

Senator Ruben Gallego: On the anniversary of January 6th, I’m demanding this administration reverse their decision to grant insurrectionist, Ashli Babbitt with military honors.    She didn’t die a hero. She died trying to tear down our democracy. Granting her military honors is a shameful betrayal of the men and women who truly served this country with honor.

Representative Andy Biggs: It was great to be joined by President @realDonaldTrump at @HouseGOP’s conference meeting. We discussed Republicans’ strategies and priorities for 2026. Congress must put the pedal to the metal to enact President Trump’s America First Agenda. Let’s get it done

Representative Eli Crane: In honor of his exemplary work, I’m proud to introduce this bill to award @nickshirleyy the Congressional Gold Medal.

Representative Juan Ciscomani: One of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes — the Chiricahuas — deserves designation as America’s newest national park. I’m proud to lead this effort with strong local community support

Representative David Schweikert: It blows my mind that we have tech to reduce hospital costs and improve care, but old regulations block it. Why can’t an FDA-approved AI help prescribe your meds or manage chronic care? If it cuts costs and saves lives, let’s make it legal.

Representative Abe Hamadeh: Congressman Hamadeh had a productive day with his @HouseGOP colleagues at the Trump Kennedy Center, where he heard @POTUS outline his 2026 agenda and discuss how Congress can help deliver it. Arizona's 8th District sent the Congressman to Washington to help Make America Great Again. And that's exactly what he's going to do!

Representative Greg Stanton: I’m sorry to hear about Rep. LaMalfa’s passing. Last Congress, I was able to work closely with him to introduce the Wildfire Response Improvement Act to help communities better prepare for and respond to fire emergencies. I’m keeping his loved ones in my thoughts.

Representative Yassamin Ansari: Back in DC and just shared a moment of silence with colleagues on the Senate steps, on the fifth anniversary of the violent January 6 insurrection. Here’s what’s going on this week in Congress. It’s going to be a busy one.

Arizona Republicans Mourn Passing of Doug LaMalfa— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich—

'Still a Stain': Ruben Gallego Rebukes Historic January 6th Event— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Five years after the events of January 6, 2021, the attack on the U.S. Capitol remains a divisive issue in politics, with recent presidential pardons bringing the debate back to the forefront.

China Reacts to Maduro's Capture and Calls for Dialogue— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— BEIJING – China has strongly condemned the U.S. capture of Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro, stating that it is a violation of international law and a threat to peace and security in Latin America.

Trump-Era Energy Policies Shape Arizona Corporation Commission— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is working to support President Donald Trump's energy policies while managing the state's rapidly growing electricity demands.

Maduro Pleads His Innocence in New York Courtroom Appearance— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— NEW YORK – Deposed Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court Monday afternoon, protesting his capture as he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Venezuela Swears in Delcy Rodriguez Following Maduro's Capture— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— CARACAS, Venezuela – The Venezuelan government on Monday swore in deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as interim president of the country.

Rubio Says US Won't 'Run' Venezuela Directly— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday joined several news programs to discuss the Trump administration’s plan to ‘run’ Venezuela, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which occurred on Saturday.

Pete Hegseth Takes Action Against Mark Kelly Over Military Video— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is pursuing disciplinary action against Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) over a video he made with other Democratic lawmakers about military orders.

Andy Biggs Suggests Minnesota Style Fraud is in Other States— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) discussed Congress's plans to question Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) and AG Keith Ellison on the ongoing welfare fraud scandal in a recent appearance on Fox Business's Bottom Line, suggesting that welfare fraud is prevalent in other states, including Arizona.

Is Maduro's Capture About National Security, Or is it About Oil? Arizona Lawmakers Split— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona's congressional delegation found itself divided after President Donald Trump ordered a military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, subsequently declaring U.S. control of Venezuela's oil industry.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres