Kay Bounkeua has been appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission to succeed Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton in the New Mexico House of Representatives District 19, making her the first Asian American woman to serve in the state legislature, according to a report by KOB 4.
Bounkeua, who previously served as executive director of the New Mexico Asian Family Center, is now deputy state director for the New Mexico Wilderness Society.
"ABQ made history with the appointment of Lan Sena as the first Asian American on City Council and now we’re congratulating Kay Bounkeua, the first Asian American to serve in NM’s legislative body," Mayor Tim Keller tweeted.
Williams Stapleton resigned in July during a corruption investigation; according to the New Mexico Attorney General's office, no charges have been brought against her at this time.
This is the second time in less than a year that Bernalillo County commissioners have replaced a representative.
Bounkeua was one of 10 candidates who applied for the commissioners for the position.
"I am deeply honored to serve as the first Asian American woman at the NM Roundhouse–– not only to break through the glass ceiling, but the bamboo ceiling attached to it," Bounkeua said in a statement, according to KOB4.