Originally published by Ryan Suppe in the Idaho Statesman
Idaho’s longest-serving Democratic lawmaker is retiring after the upcoming legislative session, opening a seat that represents Southwest Boise and the Bench.
Rep. Sue Chew, D-Boise, announced Wednesday that she will not seek reelection after her ninth term expires next year.
Chew, 65, said she’s retiring because she’s been a legislator four or five times longer than an average lawmaker — her last year will be her 18th — and an “over-the-top awesome” candidate has emerged to potentially fill her seat. Chew hopes to dedicate more time to community groups, like the Idaho Women’s Network, she told the Idaho Statesman by phone.