Rep. James Gallagher, R-Calif., was formally sworn in to Congress on Wednesday, replacing the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., who died earlier this year.

Gallagher won a special election this month to complete the remainder of LaMalfa's term. He will represent the state's First Congressional District, which includes much of the state's northeastern corner. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Gallagher said he was "truly honored" to fill LaMalfa's post, The Hill reported.

“I come here from the wild north of California of industrious people, landscapes and valleys, the breadbasket farming capital of the north," he added.

His entry into Congress bolsters the Republican conference, which has held a narrow majority since the 2024 elections.

LaMalfa died in January after experiencing a heart-related medical complication.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.