BREAKING: Audrey Denney and Assemblyman James Gallagher have officially entered the race for Congressional District 1, filing their paperwork and taking oaths this week. Their candidacies come after the death of Doug LaMalfa, prompting a special election to fill his vacant seat. The deadline for candidates to submit their paperwork was Friday, March 6, 2026, ensuring they will appear on the ballot for the upcoming elections.
This urgent announcement comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a special election to allow voters to select a new representative for the remainder of LaMalfa’s term. Voters will face two crucial primary elections on June 2: one for the special election and another for the regular two-year term beginning in 2027. The anticipated frontrunners include Gallagher, Denney, and former State Senator Mike McGuire.
Denney, who took her oath on Thursday, stated via Facebook, “This campaign is about something bigger than one race. It’s about showing that regular people — not corporations or political insiders — still have the power to shape our democracy.” Her message resonates with voters seeking change, emphasizing her commitment to elevate community voices.
Gallagher, who signed his paperwork Friday morning at the Butte County Elections Office, expressed confidence in his candidacy. “You’ve got to get 50% of the vote plus one so that we can go back and immediately have a voice in Washington, D.C. and we’re going to do that,” Gallagher declared. He believes his vision for change will attract voters tired of the status quo.
As the clock ticks down to the elections, candidates will need to meticulously track all donations and file pre-election statements by April 11. If any candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the special election, they will assume the seat immediately, serving until January 27. If not, a general election will be held in August.
Voters will receive separate ballots for the special primary and the statewide primary, heightening the stakes for both Gallagher and Denney. As campaign efforts ramp up, the candidates are gearing up for a fierce competition that could reshape California’s political landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as these developments unfold, impacting not just the candidates but also the constituents eager for representation in Washington.
