Idaho’s longest-serving Democratic lawmaker Sue Chew dies [Video]

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 …