Cass County Councilwoman Stacey Donato is the newest member of the Indiana General Assembly.

Donato was elected Monday night by a Republican precinct caucus.

Former State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) served more than two terms before announcing his resignation earlier this year to become the chief deputy prosecutor in Pulaski County. That triggered a GOP precinct caucus to replace him – and after five ballots, Donato was its winner.

Donato is a two-term councilwoman in Cass County and an accountant. Head backed her in the caucus.

Donato becomes the fifth state lawmaker elected by a private caucus since last year’s election. Thirty-two current members of the legislature – more than one out of every five – first joined the General Assembly via precinct caucuses.