(Missourinet) – Democratic caucuses in the state House and Senate have elected women to serve as the minority floor leaders and assistant leaders. It’s unknown if this is the first time a party caucus in both chambers of the Missouri legislature have ever had both posts held concurrently by women.

In the House, Rep. Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) has been elected as the minority floor leader and Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) will be the assistant leader.

“I am very honored and appreciative of the support that I have received from my colleagues,” says McCann Beatty. “House Democrats can be proud that despite the tough election year nationwide, we stopped the majority from picking up a single state legislative seat for the first time in eight years. I am confident that we as a Caucus can come together and continue to work towards moving the state of Missouri forward in a positive way.”

In the state Senate, Sen. Gina Walsh (D- Bellefontaine Neighbors) has been chosen as the minority leader and Sen. Kiki Curls (D-Kansas City) will serve as assistant minority leader.