Mississippi District 94 Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, was recently selected the Mississippi House Democratic leader.

Johnson said he appreciates the support of his colleagues in Democratic colleagues in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

“I appreciate my colleagues respecting me enough that they want me to lead our efforts and lead the fight for the things we think are important to all Mississippians,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t change anything about my focus on the things I think are important. We are all on the same page, so I will just continue the work that I’ve been doing already.”

Democrats are the minority in the Mississippi House but Johnson said party lines blur when Republicans and Democrats are working in issues that matter to all Mississippians.

“I know we have a Republican majority in the House but the truth is as little as people like to admit it a lot of what goes on is regional and people retreat from party loyalty when it comes down to what matters to their areas,” Johnson said. “For instance if you’re from Southwest Mississippi we still have road and bridge issues. We want to make sure our hospitals in small towns like Natchez stay open and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Republican or not, some people may have a different approach to it, but we all have to come together on it.”

Johnson said as House leader he will be able to get consensus from his Democratic colleagues in the House on issues that matter.

“Where it makes a difference is, as the Democratic leader, I am able to marshal a considerable amount of votes toward the effort, whatever that may be, that I think is important in not just my area but for people who are similarly situated,” Johnson said. “When I go in to meet with the speaker (of the House) he knows when I come in to meet with I him have anywhere from 30 to 40 votes, solid, that are behind me.”