James Matthew Gallagher (born March 7, 1981) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative from California's 1st congressional district 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.
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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
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.