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Healdsburg Today
By the People, for the People
McGuire Enters Special Election for Late Rep. LaMalfa's Seat
State Senator Mike McGuire will run in the August special election to serve out the remainder of the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa's term.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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State Senator Mike McGuire has announced he will run in the August 4th special election to serve out the remainder of the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa's term in California's 1st Congressional District. McGuire, who was already planning to run for the full two-year term in November, is entering the special election race earlier than expected, despite being considered an underdog in the current Republican-leaning district.
Why it matters
The special election was triggered by the sudden death of Congressman LaMalfa in January. McGuire's decision to run in the special election, rather than waiting for the November general election in the newly redrawn, more Democratic-leaning 1st District, is seen as a strategic move to gain an early foothold in the district.
The details
McGuire, the former California State Senate President, will be running against fellow Democrat Audrey Denney, who previously ran against LaMalfa in 2018 and 2020, as well as Republican James Gallagher, who has been endorsed by former President Trump. Despite the district's current Republican tilt, McGuire believes voters are ready for change and are seeking a representative who will focus on issues like healthcare, affordability, and education.
- The special election will be held on August 4, 2026.
- McGuire announced his candidacy on February 20, 2026.
The players
Mike McGuire
A Democratic state senator from Healdsburg who is running for the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa's seat in the special election and the November general election.
Doug LaMalfa
The late Republican Congressman who represented California's 1st Congressional District until his sudden death on January 6, 2026.
James Gallagher
A Republican California Assemblymember from Yuba City who has been endorsed by former President Trump and is running in the special election.
Audrey Denney
A Democratic educator and nonprofit strategist who has run against LaMalfa in the past and is also running in the special election.
What they’re saying
“Rural communities throughout the North State have incredible needs. Everyone deserves good schools. Every community deserves great and accessible hospitals, every individual deserves a representative fighting for them, not for Donald Trump and his millionaire buddies.”
— Mike McGuire, Democratic State Senator (Press Democrat)
“Folks are tired of Republican leadership, they're tired of the false promises, they're tired of their health care being taken away, and they're ready to flip this seat.”
— Mike McGuire, Democratic State Senator (Press Democrat)
What’s next
The special election will be held on August 4, 2026, with the winner serving out the remainder of the late Congressman LaMalfa's term.
The takeaway
McGuire's decision to run in the special election, rather than waiting for the November general election in the newly redrawn district, signals his determination to gain an early foothold in the 1st Congressional District and capitalize on the national trend of Democrats overperforming in traditionally Republican-leaning areas.
