In just-announced news, Democrat and proud Thai-American Tammy Duckworth has won the race for a Senate seat in Illinois.
The new Senator was born in Bangkok. Her mother was Thai-Chinese while her dad fought for the U.S. in the Vietnam War.
She won the Senate seat from incumbent Republican Mark S. Kirk.
Duckworth, 48, is a well-known and high-profile figure in the U.S. Her inspiring story is one of a military woman and pilot who fought in the Iraq war, losing both legs in 2014 when her helicopter was shot down via grenade, reported The New York Times.
Not one to let that stop her, Duckworth went on to become a member of the House of Representatives in 2013 and, now, the first Thai-American senator.
After being elected, Duckworth wrote on Facebook: “This victory would not have been possible without your support. Thank you.”
“I will go to work in the Senate looking to honor the sacrifice of all Americans who are facing challenges of their own. After all, this nation didn’t give up on me when I was at my lowest moment, and I believe in an America that doesn’t give up on anyone who hasn’t given up on themselves.”
Go Tammy!
