Rep. Delus Johnson, R-St. Joseph, will play a key role in helping the Missouri House of Representatives achieve its legislative priorities for the 2015-16 session. On Wednesday Johnson was elected by Missouri’s 118 Republican State Representatives to serve as their next Majority Whip.

“I am honored to have Representatives from all over Missouri entrust me with a much greater role in the legislative process” said Johnson.

Johnson will serve as the only State Representative in this capacity and one of seven members of House Leadership. As Majority Whip, Johnson will lead a team of 28 legislators that are responsible for rounding up votes on critical issues, educating House members on legislation, and overseeing that parliamentary rules of the House are followed.

“I believe this position will give the residents of Northwest Missouri a greater voice in the State Legislature.” Johnson said.

In 2015, Rep. Johnson will also oversee the implementation of a new electronic whipping system that will streamline the legislative process to ensure more efficient bill handling in the House Chamber.

Other House members elected to leadership positions yesterday include Speaker Pro-Tem Denny Hoskins-Warrensburg, Majority Floor Leader Todd Richardson-Poplar Bluff, Asst. Majority Floor Leader Mike Cierpiot-Blue Springs, along with Johnson of St. Joseph.

Johnson added that his new position allows him to become more involved in a wider variety of legislative matters and gives Northwest Missouri a stronger position in House Leadership decisions.