The Missouri House Democratic Caucus just got dramatically more diverse in its leadership.
Last week, the caucus elected state Rep. Mike Talboy of Kansas City as minority leader and state Rep. Tishaura Jones of St. Louis as assistant minority leader.
Talboy is Hispanic, and Jones is African-American.
“I believe that our leadership should reflect its membership,” Jones said. “We’re male, female, black, white, brown, Christian, gay, straight, rural, urban, moms, dads and grandparents. We all bring something different and unique to the table, and our leadership reflects that.”
Jones is the first African American ever to serve as assistant minority leader in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Previously, the highest-ranking African American in the House was Fletcher Dainels, who was speaker pro tem for one session in 1996.
Only two women have held higher legislative leadership posts in the state House. Catherine Hanaway, a Republican, was minority leader from 2001-2002 and speaker from 2003-2005. Also, Gracia Backer, a Democrat, was majority leader from 1997-1998.
Another African American from St. Louis was elected to a new leadership position among House Democrats as well. State Rep. Chris Carter of St. Louis was elected caucus vice-chairman.
Other new elected officials in the caucus include state Rep. Mike Colona of St. Louis (minority whip), state Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville (caucus chairman) and state Rep. Sara Lampe of Springfield (caucus secretary).
The 96th Missouri General Assembly will convene on Jan. 5.
