Selma Mayor James Perkins has now officially become a part of

Democratic congressional nominee Artur Davis’ campaign team.

Davis, who held a press conference on Tuesday, announced the development of a transition team to address various issues in 7th District. Perkins was named co-chair for the team.

According to a press release issued by the Davis campaign, building relations with local leaders, addressing health care and education, and focusing on economic development are just some of issues which the team hopes to address.

Perkins, who had formerly endorsed Democratic House Rep. Earl Hilliard, a candidate who lost in the June 25 run-off for the 7th District Seat against Davis, said he was proud to have been asked to join the team.

Perkins said that Davis asked him to accept the position mainly to address economic issues facing the Black Belt Region, as well as to be a public sector representative for the Black Belt.

Davis said he isn’t ignoring Libertarian nominee Lauren McCay, but he also isn’t overly worried about the challenge she presents in the general election in the overwhelmingly Democratic district.

McCay, 45, of Clay is an associate professor of education at the University of Montevallo. The political newcomer mainly teaches social studies education. She did not immediately return messages seeking comment Tuesday.

Davis, with only $22,490 left in his campaign account after using nearly $1 million in donations to defeat five-term incumbent Hilliard in the primary runoff, said he would continue seeking campaign contributions.

Davis, who solicited the support of pro-Israel groups during the primary, received much of his campaign money from the Northeast, particularly New York. Hilliard, who raised about $550,000, was backed in part by pro-Arab groups.

Davis’ transition team will be headed by Perkins, and Mike Goodrich, the chief executive of the Birmingham-based BE&K corporation. Davis takes office in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.