James Gallagher

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. 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. 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.