SALEM, Ore. — Oregon State Representative Hòa Nguyễn, a respected lawmaker and passionate advocate for education and equity, has died at the age of 41 following a battle with stage 4 cancer, House Democrats announced Thursday.
Nguyễn passed away Thursday morning surrounded by family and loved ones, according to a statement from Oregon House leadership. She represented House District 48, which includes portions of east Portland and Damascus, and was serving her second term in the Legislature.
A Life of Service and Dedication
First elected in 2022, Nguyễn quickly earned recognition as a thoughtful, community-driven legislator. Despite her illness, she remained active in Salem throughout 2025, even appearing for key votes — including the House’s recent approval of a state transportation funding measure during last month’s special session.
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Nguyễn announced her diagnosis publicly in February, sharing that she had begun chemotherapy treatments but intended to continue her work for as long as her health allowed.
From Refugee Roots to Oregon Leadership
Born the eldest daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyễn grew up in Louisiana before moving to Oregon at age 16 to attend St. Mary’s Academy in Portland. Her journey from the child of immigrants to an elected state leader reflected her lifelong belief in the power of community and public service.
Before joining the Legislature, Nguyễn built a career in education, serving as an educator at Robert Gray Middle School in Portland and as a member of the David Douglas School Board. She also served on the board of API Forward, an organization that promotes leadership within Oregon’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Her legislative work continued that mission, focusing on education access, child care, and community equity.
Legislative Impact and Legacy
During her tenure, Nguyễn championed policies aimed at improving Oregon’s education system, particularly addressing chronic absenteeism among students. Her final bill, House Bill 3199, passed unanimously earlier this year and was widely praised for its bipartisan approach to helping schools reengage students.
In a statement, House Speaker Julie Fahey (D–Eugene) said Nguyễn’s leadership and compassion left a lasting mark on the state.
“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,” Fahey said. “Her legacy will live on in this chamber and in every classroom she fought so hard to support.”
Tributes Across Party Lines
Members of both political parties expressed their condolences Thursday, reflecting the broad respect Nguyễn earned during her short time in office.
House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R–McMinnville) said she was heartbroken by the loss.
“Her deep commitment to Oregon’s children and families was evident in everything she did,” Elmer said. “It was an honor to serve with her and share in the work of strengthening early childhood care and education.”
Remembering a Relentless Advocate
Nguyễn’s colleagues described her as warm, driven, and unyielding in her belief that government could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Though her time in office was brief, her influence — particularly in shaping Oregon’s education policies — will be remembered for years to come.
As House Democrats wrote in their announcement:
“She devoted her life to empowering others, especially the next generation. Her light will continue to guide us.”
