WASHINGTON, D.C.: Filipino- American State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim (Democrat-Moanalua, Aiea, Kalihi Valley) was selected as Hawaii’s Senate president, the second ethnic Filipino to win the high political office.

Formerly the vice president of the upper house of Hawaii’s state legislature, Kim succeeded former Senate president Shan Tsutsui, a fellow Democrat who was named lieutenant governor.

“I am very humbled and honored to be chosen State Senate president,” Kim told the Manila Times by email. “As the first Filipina American Senate president, I hope to inspire not only Filipina Americans but all Filipinos who wish to serve in public service.”

Kim, whose mother Lily Mercado is a Filipino, has been a senator since 2000. She ran unopposed in the 2012 elections.

She started her political career as a state representative from 1982 to 1984 and as a member of the Honolulu city council from 1984 to 2000.

“My parents instilled in me the virtues of hard work and perseverance — two virtues that have followed me throughout my 30-plus years as an elected official,” she said on Wednesday.