Hardworking lawmaker dies of cancer aged just 41 after making final votes while in hospice care

An Oregon lawmaker who continued to work while battling late-stage cancer has passed away at age 41.

Representative Hòa Nguyễn died Thursday morning surrounded by her loved ones, Oregon House Democrats confirmed.

In her final weeks, Nguyễn regularly showed up at the State Capitol to cast her vote on legislative matters while receiving treatment.

On September 1, she shared a photo of herself sitting in the House chamber wearing a face mask and head covering as she voted to pass a transportation funding package.

‘Even as I navigate Stage 4 cancer, I remain committed to representing District 48,’ Nguyễn captioned the post.

She was first elected to represent District 48, which includes Damascus and East Portland, in 2022.

Nguyễn represented her district ‘with extraordinary dedication’ and wanted to make the state ‘a just, equitable, and compassionate place.’

‘She has inspired countless Oregonians, and her legacy will live on in the children, families, and communities she fought for,’ Oregon House Democrats said.

Oregon Representative Hòa Nguyễn (pictured in September), 41, died after battling Stage 4 cancer while continuing to work in her final weeks

She was first elected in 2022 and Oregon House Democrats said she represented her district ‘with extraordinary dedication’

She was born to Vietnamese refugees in Louisiana, where her father owned a convenience store, according to The Oregonian.

Her family moved to the Portland area when she was a teenager, and she received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Portland State University.

‘Rep. Hòa Nguyễn was her ancestors’ wildest dreams – a powerful voice, a bridge builder, and a fierce advocate for families and survivors,’ said fellow Democrat Rep. Annessa Hartman.

‘She led with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others as she rose.’

She went on to serve as a David Douglas School Board member, and worked as a Student and Community Engagement Specialist at the Clackamas Education Service District.

‘Rep. Nguyễn embodied the best of public service: fierce in her advocacy, compassionate in her approach, and steadfast in her belief in the power of community,’ said House Speaker Julie Fahey.

‘Her legacy will live on in this chamber and in every classroom she fought so hard to support.’

Nguyễn was a beloved member of the state legislature, and colleagues from both parties shared heartfelt tributes after her passing.

In her final weeks, Nguyễn (center left) continued to work on legislative matters while receiving treatment

She was a beloved member of the state legislature and described by her colleagues as ‘a powerful voice’ and ‘fierce advocate’

‘We bonded over our love of weightlifting but more importantly, over wanting what was good for Oregon and finding a way to work across the aisle with friendship,’ said Republican Rep. Bobby Levy.

‘I was lucky enough to also share my faith with her as we became friends and as her illness progressed, we prayed together often. I will miss her laugh and the way she was always so upbeat the most.’

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also released a statement to KPTV praising Nguyễn’s dedication and commitment to public service.

‘Hoa had an undeniable commitment to bettering the lives of the students and families in East Portland and Oregon. She dedicated her life to public education with passion and purpose,’ Kotek said.

‘My heart is with Representative Nguyen’s family, friends, colleagues, and the constituents she represented. It was an honor to work with her. She will be deeply missed.’