James Matthew Gallagher (born March 7, 1981) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative from since 2026. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2026, representing the 3rd district located in the northern Sacramento Valley. Gallagher served as the Minority Leader of the California State Assembly from 2022 to 2025.
Early life and education Gallagher was born on March 7, 1981. He is the descendant of Irish immigrants who settled northern California in the early 1800s. His paternal grandfather, Robert Gallagher, served on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors from 1985 to 1989.
After graduating from East Nicolaus High School, Gallagher earned a bachelor's degree in political science from UC Berkeley. Gallagher earned a JD degree from UC Davis.
Career
Gallagher's political career began when he worked for state Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa as a fellow in a Fellowship Program.
Since 2007, Gallagher has been practicing law. He is a partner in his family's fifth generation rice and walnut farming operation. In 2008, Gallagher was elected to the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, where he served until his election to the State Assembly.
On November 4, 2014, Gallagher won the election and succeeded fellow Republican Dan Logue, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress that year. Gallagher is a Republican. In 2017, Gallagher became the Republican Caucus Chairman of the California General Assembly.
U.S. House of Representatives (2026-present) Elections 2026 special
In 2026, Gallagher ran for the open seat for California's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives made vacant after the death of Doug LaMalfa. He received the endorsement of President Donald Trump and 8 other Republican congressmen from the state. He defeated Democratic challengers Audrey Denney and Mike McGuire in the special election by a large margin. The special election also coincided with the primary election for the new district boundaries, in which Gallagher and McGuire both advanced, setting up a rematch in the November general election. He was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on June 10, 2026.
Committee assignments Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
Caucus memberships Congressional Western Caucus Republican Study Committee
Personal life Gallagher's wife is Janna; they met in kindergarten while attending Browns School in Rio Oso, California. They have five children.
Electoral history
+ Year Office Party Primary General Result Swing . Total % . Total % . 2014California State Assembly3rd Republican 34,744 44.4 1st 69,552 63.1 1st HoldPrimary election:
General election: 2016 66,686 61.0 1st 108,910 63.0 1st Hold Primary election:
General election: 2018 64,975 65.0 1st 95,786 60.2 1st Hold Primary election:
General election: 2020 83,022 65.3 1st 130,163 63.7 1st Hold Primary election:
General election: 2022 65,115 66.0 1st 98,475 65.4 1st Hold Primary election:
General election: 2024 76,570 68.4 1st 131,578 66.3 1st Hold Primary election:
General election: 2026 U.S. House 123,551 62.101stcolspan=3 Hold 2026 92,975 42.1 1st Primary election: Source: Secretary of State of California Statewide Election Results
References
External links
Congressman James Gallagher official U.S. House website James Gallagher for Congress campaign website]
California State Assembly website James Gallagher at open states.org