Selma representative Darrio Melton was elected Caucus Chair Thursday when the Alabama House of Representatives Democratic Caucus gathered to elect their leaders for the next four years. 

The caucus voted for Melton as caucus chair and reelected Craig Ford from Gadsden as minority leader.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve another term as House Minority Leader,” Ford said. “House Democrats are ready to reach across the aisle and work together on our common interests of creating jobs and providing every child in Alabama with a quality education.”

Melton added that he’s excited to step into a leadership role within the caucus to encourage more young people to get involved.

“We have to move beyond the old ways of doing business and become a body that’s looking towards the future,” Melton said.

Among the others elected to caucus leadership are Barbara Boyd (D-Anniston), who was re-elected Caucus Vice Chair, and Richard Lindsey (D-Centre), who was re-elected secretary-treasurer. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) was elected minority whip, along with Adline Clark (D-Mobile) and Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham) in whip places one and two.

Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville), former caucus chair, has been elected to serve on the Caucus’ policy committee as member at large.