The California credit union movement is mourning the loss of a credit union champion after hearing that Congressman Doug LaMalfa passed this week.

Coming from a multi-generation farming heritage and serving many years as a dedicated public servant, LaMalfa was a tireless advocate for the member-owned credit unions in his rural district. He was a leader who understood that when credit unions thrive, their communities thrive — and California’s Credit Unions is deeply grieved by his loss.

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Representative Doug LaMalfa,” said Stephanie Cuevas, senior vice president of federal advocacy for California’s Credit Unions. “He was a true credit union champion who fought to uphold our credit union tax exemption. More than that, he was a respected leader who loved his community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives, and previously in the California State Legislature, LaMalfa consistently demonstrated an understanding of the unique role credit unions play in providing accessible financial services to rural and underserved communities.

In 2025, LaMalfa was also a signatory on a key letter to congressional leadership advocating for the preservation of the federal credit union tax exemption. During a time of significant fiscal debate on Capitol Hill, his signature provided a voice in protecting the nonprofit status that allows credit unions to return value to their members.

The congressman also supported credit unions in other ways, including:

• The Financial CHOICE Act. This was aimed at regulatory relief and bills focusing on modernizing credit union operations
• The Credit Union Board Modernization Act. This reduced meeting frequency for some credit union boards, as well as expanded lending options for credit unions, reflecting a general push for less burdensome federal oversight.
• The Expanding Access to Lending Options Act (H.R. 4167 / 119th Congress). Bills like this grant the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) more flexibility to increase loan maturities for federal credit unions, promoting access to credit for members.
• The 1071 Repeal to Protect Consumers Act (H.R. 976 / 119th Congress). This bill seeks to repeal small business data collection requirements, which can disproportionately affect smaller lenders like credit unions.

LaMalfa was also known for his accessibility and genuine interest in the people behind the credit union movement. During a 2025 Hike The Hill reception this past September in Washington, D.C., the congressman’s dedication was on full display. He stayed longer than any other member of Congress in attendance.

During the evening, he spent time with Riley Vance-Gydesen, indirect program manager with Siskiyou Credit Union. One of California’s Credit Unions’ “NextGen Leaders,” Vance-Gydesen represents the future of the industry — a future LaMalfa was keen to support and understand. The congressman’s willingness to engage with young professionals like Vance-Gydesen represented his belief in the grassroots power of the credit union mission.

As the special election process begins to fill his seat, the credit union movement remains committed to honoring the congressman’s legacy by continuing the work of financial empowerment he so fiercely defended.

“Representative LaMalfa’s dedication to the district he represented really shined when he spoke to Riley and so many others,” Cuevas said. “He led with a quiet confidence and loved his community. He was one of the kindest members of Congress I’ve met.”