BOISE, Idaho — Idaho's longest-serving Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Sue Chew, has died. She represented Boise's District 17 for 18 years.
Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), confirmed the news to KTVB late Wednesday night. Wintrow said Chew truly loved public service and problem-solving.
Chew was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023. She was a licensed pharmacist and served on several committees over her nine terms at the Idaho State Capitol.
Gov. Brad Little on Thursday ordered the lowering of U.S. and Idaho flags to half-staff until sunset on Friday to honor Chew and her service.
“Representative Sue Chew was one of the state’s longest serving current members of the Idaho Legislature, and she served her constituents in Boise’s District 17 with passion and dedication," Little said in a news release. "As the Legislature’s only pharmacist, she was a tireless advocate for the expansion of the role of pharmacy in healthcare, among her other achievements. She was a strong ally on a variety of healthcare policy issues, and she will be deeply missed by her community, colleagues in government, and many loved ones."
In May 2023, KTVB spoke with Chew, who shared her early beginnings of growing up in the Bay area in California during the civil rights era, witnessing and experiencing discrimination, moving to the Gem State, and eventually becoming an advocate for the state's Asian community.
On June 21, 2023, the Idaho Press reported that Chew said she was ready to step down from her seat. She endorsed Natalie MacLachlan to run for Bosie's District 17.
House Minority Leader and Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea (D-Boise) released the following statement Thursday on Chew's passing:
"Sue Chew was known for her moral clarity and huge heart for the people at risk of being left behind. She was deeply committed to inclusive representation and was a tireless door-knocker, always keeping in touch with her constituents and their needs. The Idaho Democratic Party grieves alongside the many people Rep. Chew touched across her career, including advocates for health care, labor, disability rights, and civil rights. We will do our best to pick up the torch she carried and continue building a state with justice for every Idahoan."
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