By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri State Representative Rick Johnson of High Ridge will be the top Democrat in the state House next year.
Republicans hold 17 more seats in the House than Democrats. Johnson was picked by his fellow Democrats on Monday to be Minority Leader.
He'll take over for Mark Abel, who is running for State Treasurer.
Johnson says he hopes to use his position as House minority leader to help protect the schools, children and elderly of Missouri.
He was previously the House Democratic whip, in charge of rallying support for or against legislative issues. Jeff Harris, a Columbia Democrat, was chosen as the new Democratic whip.
This past session, Johnson was one of the most frequent and vocal critics of the Republican leadership. Johnson said his differences are not personal but based on policy and procedure.