Resolution Honoring the Life and Career of Representative Hòa Nguyễn

WHEREAS, Hòa Hiền Nguyễn (1983 - 2025) served with distinction as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing House District 48, bringing lived experience, moral clarity, and a steadfast commitment to public service; and

WHEREAS, As the eldest daughter of Vietnamese refugees who settled in the United States after the Vietnam War, Hòa's early years working in her family's convenience store and her later move to Oregon at age 16 shaped a lifelong determination to open doors of opportunity for others; and

WHEREAS, Hòa's professional career included service as a school attendance coach, community engagement specialist in Portland Public Schools and the Clackamas Education Service District, and election to the David Douglas School Board in 2021, all grounded in her conviction that every child deserves a fair shot; and

WHEREAS, Elected to the Oregon Legislature in 2022, Hòa joined a historic slate of Vietnamese American lawmakers and quickly brought to the chamber not merely a fresh voice but a clear and compassionate vision for educational equity, immigrant refugee rights, and children's welfare; and

WHEREAS, Representative Nguyễn was a community advocate in every sense. As a dedicated champion for childcare, she fought for the next generation, tirelessly advocating for families to have access to quality, affordable care, and her work extended beyond childcare to improving the lives of her constituents and the broader community; and

WHEREAS, In the Legislature she helped carry forward measures such as House Bill 3199, which initiated a statewide study of chronic student absenteeism, established an advisory council, and directed the State Board of Education to respond, demonstrating her commitment to systemic change and educational justice; and

WHEREAS, She was a friend, a mentor, and a leader. She empowered others to become active participants in creating a more just and equitable society. Our Democratic community was honored to work alongside her, from door knocking in her campaigns to collaborating in her role as co chair of the Child Care Caucus in the Oregon Legislature; and

WHEREAS, Hòa continued to show up in service even during a courageous battle with stage four cancer, reminding us that public service is defined not only by position but by perseverance and heart; and

WHEREAS, Cancer was a thief of time, cutting short a life and a career that still had so much to give. We grieve not only the loss of her presence among us but also the future impacts she would surely have made for the children and families of Oregon; and

WHEREAS, Her impact continues through the example she set, the pathways she opened for future leaders, and the indelible mark she leaves on Oregon's civic life. Her legacy inspires our ongoing work to elect Democrats, empower grassroots activists, and build a more inclusive and equitable Oregon for all;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic National Committee honors Representative Hòa Nguyễn as a force for good in our state, a tireless advocate for children, families, immigrant and refugee communities, and all those pursuing opportunity and justice; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we extend our deepest gratitude for her service, her leadership, and the example of integrity and care she left behind. May her memory continue to guide our efforts and may her family, loved ones, and the many communities she served know our profound respect and solidarity.

Submitted by: Albany City Councilor Steph Newton/OR

Co-Sponsored by:

Nathan Soltz, Chair (Oregon)

Eileen Kiely, Vice Chair (Oregon)

State Representative Travis Nelson (Oregon)

Portland Community College Board Member Kien Truong (Oregon)

Diane Grover (Oregon)

Jason Park (California)

Kam Buckner (Illinois)

June Owens (Iowa)

Latonya Reeves (Minnesota)

Tanner Hale (Nevada)

Trish Ruiz (New Mexico)

DNC Women's Caucus Chair Alicia Andrews (Oklahoma)

Kalyn Free (Oklahoma)

Luis Dávila-Pernas, Chair (Puerto Rico)