Levota selected to follow Harris as Missouri House minority leader

JEFFERSON CITY — House Democrats have chosen Rep. Paul LeVota, of Independence, as their new leader to succeed Columbia’s Jeff Harris.

Harris is stepping down as minority leader to focus on his campaign for attorney general.

LeVota, 39, was first elected to the House in 2002 and serves as the assistant minority leader. He will move up to the top spot this fall.

Rep. J.C. Kuessner, 64, of Eminence, was chosen to replace LeVota as the assistant minority leader.

House Republicans hold a 91-70 majority over Democrats with two vacancies.