Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65 after suffering a medical emergency and undergoing emergency surgery at a Chico hospital, according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Officials confirmed his death Monday evening but have not released a cause.

The U.S. House has passed legislation approving the transfer of 580 acres of federal land in Northeastern California to the Pit River Tribe, returning an area known as the “Four Corners” to tribal stewardship.

McGuire, who terms out of the Legislature next year, hopes to capitalize on Democrats’ new voter registration advantage in LaMalfa’s post-Prop. 50 district to flip a congressional seat from red to blue. His launch video appears to preemptively address the criticism that he’s out of touch with rural Californians.