'It's such an honor:' Wisconsin's treasurer-elect is first Hmong American to hold a spot in statewide office
WAUSAU, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It's a first in United States history.
A Wausau man was elected as Wisconsin's treasurer in the midterms earlier this week, and he is the first Hmong American in the country to hold a spot in a statewide office.
Yee Leng Xiong, 32, is the proud son of refugees who left their village in Laos behind decades ago when they fled persecution and communism.
"When they made the decision to leave their village, we lost one of our aunts; she stepped on a landmine, and my father is still traumatized from the incident there as well," Xiong told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White. "They buried my oldest brother at the shores of the Mekong River and they came over, crossed into a refugee camp, spent two years there living in hardships and communities, but they did all that because they believed in a brighter future for us... it's because of their contributions, their sacrifice, and their love for me and future generations as well, so I owe it all to them."
Xiong has worked for years in both local and county government.
He's held multiple leadership roles, including as the former executive of the Hmong American Center nonprofit.
In 2019, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also appointed Xiong to the Financial Literacy Council.
"It's really about starting to meet with folks and starting to understand what I could do to help them as well, so I'm ready to get to work and serve the people of Wisconsin," Xiong said on Thursday.
He added that he's proud to represent Hmong Americans, and he said he's proof that hard work can result in the American dream coming true.
"Being comfortable is where dreams go to die. I always want to encourage folks, especially young folks, that they should chase their dreams and make it happen, because their dreams are someone else's reality -- unless they try, they won't understand it as well," Xiong said. "I'm hoping I will not be the last statewide-elected Hmong individual... one day we'll have a Hmong governor. One day we'll have a Hmong vice president, maybe even a congressman, senator, congresswoman, president one day."
Xiong noted that since his election, he's received congratulatory messages from Hmong people not just in the country, but from around the world.
"It's just so surreal to think that someone like me, a son of Hmong refugees, would have the opportunity to hold a statewide office, and being elected to this position," Xiong said, "It's an honor of a lifetime."