Winning an overwhelming 62 percent of the vote in Tuesday's special election in California, political veteran Judy Chu is the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress.

Chu's political career is extensive, having served three terms as mayor of Monterey Park and five years in the California State Assembly. Since 2006, Chu has served on the California State Board of Equalization, the country's only elected tax commission.

She is stepping into the House seat formerly held by Hilda Solis, now U.S. Secretary of Labor. Chu will represent the 32nd District, which covers much of East Los Angeles. More about Chu and the election can be read in today's LA Times story or at her official website.

Photo from judychu.net