Representative Sue Chu, the longest-serving Democrat in the Idaho Legislature, died Wednesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, Idaho Democratic Party officials announced.
Chu D. Boise, a pharmacist by trade, served nine terms in the Idaho House of Representatives after being elected in 2006.
Chu, born March 31, 1958, died Wednesday, said Avery Roberts, communications director for the Idaho Democratic Party.
Political leaders on both sides of the aisle in Idaho remembered Chu as a champion of health care, an advocate for constituents, and a voice for the voiceless.
“Sue Chu was known for her moral clarity and her big heart for those at risk of being left behind,” said House Minority Leader Lauren Necochea, who is also the chairwoman of the Idaho Democratic Party.
“She was deeply committed to inclusive representation and was a tireless door-knocker, always in touch with her constituents and their needs,” Necochea added.
On Thursday morning, Republican Gov. Brad Little ordered the American and Idaho flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset Friday in honor of Mr. Chu.
“Congressman Sue Choo is one of the longest-serving current members of the Idaho State Legislature in the state, serving her constituents in Boise’s 17th District with passion and dedication,” Little said in a statement Thursday. said in a statement. “As the only pharmacist in Congress, she passionately advocated for expanding the role of pharmacies in health care, among other accomplishments. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues and many loved ones.”
During his tenure, Mr. Chu was named the 2014 Idaho Democratic Representative of the Year. In 2018, Chew became a sponsor House Bill 649a Good Samaritan law that provides that certain people who seek medical attention for a drug overdose cannot be charged with possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia.
“Sue was a man of her word in every aspect of her life,” Rep. Sonia Galavis, D-Boise, said in a Facebook post Thursday. “She always put people first and modeled for all of us the importance of humility and dedication. She will be sorely missed.”
The Idaho House honored Chu last month.
While battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Chu No members served in the 2024 Congress, with a series of alternates serving as members. instead of her. On March 27, Ms. Chu visited the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, where members of the Idaho House honored her with a standing ovation as she watched from her House gallery, surrounded by her family.
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The Idaho House of Representatives adopted it as Chu watched on. House Resolution 7It honors Chu and commemorates the Idaho House’s “deep appreciation and respect for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to society.”
Chu is the second-longest serving incumbent in Idaho among all members of Congress, trailing only Republican Speaker of the House Mike Moyle (13 terms).
During a visit to the Idaho State Capitol on March 27, Moyle personally thanked Chu for her work and reassured the Idaho House of Representatives that lawmakers could stand and praise her.
“You and I have been in this building together for quite some time and have enjoyed many years,” Ms. Moyle told Chu from the House floor. “You’ve always been honest, approachable, and always had the best interests of your constituents in mind. I personally appreciate that, but you’ll be missed when you’re not in the backseat.” ”House Floor).
Chu’s term in the Idaho Legislature ends in December, with an election to be held in November. Roberts said the Idaho Democratic Party members of Chu’s 17th Legislative District will provide Little with a list of three candidates to complete Chu’s current term within 15 days. Mr. Little will then select one person from the list and appoint him to complete Mr. Chu’s term.
