California Assemblyman James Gallagher has filed to run for Congress in California’s 1st Congressional District following the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa. Gallagher, a Republican from Yuba City, has represented the 3rd Assembly District since 2014. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman James Gallagher

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - California Assemblyman James Gallagher filed official paperwork to run for Congress in California’s First Congressional District following the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa.

Gallagher announced his candidacy this week and said he plans to continue the leadership he associated with LaMalfa, who had been preparing to seek reelection before his death.

“The new First District was gerrymandered by politicians thinking they could ensure their own election,” Gallagher said. “They forgot that the people choose their representatives not the other way around.”

Gallagher said LaMalfa represented the region well and said he intends to carry forward that approach.

“Doug LaMalfa was a true representative of the people and I am running to carry his banner of leadership and teach the politicians this fundamental lesson once and for all,” Gallagher said.

He said his campaign will focus on issues affecting residents across Northern California.

“I am running because the people of the first Congressional District deserve a representative who will fight everyday to lower our costs, keep our communities safe, and protect our precious water and resources,” Gallagher said. “Someone who is beholden to you the people only and not the special interests.”

Gallagher also urged voters in Northern California to support the campaign.

“Together we can defeat the political class and restore representation to the North,” Gallagher said. “Unite the North.”

The First Congressional District stretches from the High Sierra west to suburban Santa Rosa in Sonoma County.