12 times lawmakers were replaced by their relatives in Congress

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter
Monday, August 03, 2026

Rep. Doris Matsui presents the I Street Bridge design in Sacramento, California on Feb. 21, 2020. | Public Domain/Doris Matsui

7. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif.

Rep. Robert Matsui, D-Calif., died on Jan. 1, 2005, at age 63 after winning reelection but before the 109th U.S. Congress began.

His widow, Doris, won a 2005 special election to fill the remainder of the term and was elected to a full term in 2006.

Doris Matsui has won reelection ever since and continues to represent California's 7th Congressional District.

Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com

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