By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Kentucky House Democrats chose their leadership team this week and it includes two new faces.
Rep. Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, was re-elected minority floor leader while the new faces are Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, who was chosen minority whip and Rep. Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, who is the minority caucus chair.
Derrick Graham, Joni Jenkins and Rocky Adkins
Adkins, who was majority leader from 2003 until Republicans won the chamber after the 2016 election, will serve his second term as minority floor leader.
“We’re more committed than ever to moving the commonwealth forward and helping all Kentuckians, not just a select few,” said Adkins, who is also a gubernatorial candidate. “As always, we will work across the aisle whenever possible, but stand ready to oppose any policies that move Kentucky in the wrong direction.”
Jenkins becomes the second woman to serve in a leadership post for the Democrats, following Sannie Overly, who decided not seek re-election this year.
“I think we have the best of both worlds because our caucus has a wonderful mix of experienced and newly elected members, but we all share the same commitment to making Kentucky a better place in which to live and work,” Jenkins said.
Graham becomes the first African-American to hold a House Democratic leadership position, although he served as education committee chairman, when Democrats held the majority.
“We have a dynamic and diverse caucus that brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Capitol and, together, we will do all we can to keep improving public education and the health and well-being of our citizens,” Graham said.
Graham and Jenkins replace Reps. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, and Rep. Wilson Stone, D-Scottsville, respectively.
With Adkins an announced candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in the May primary, it remains to be seen how it might affect his work in House leadership since the legislative session begins for a week, Jan. 8-11, then returns for the rest of the session from Feb. 5 to March 29 during the heart of the primary campaign season.
