State Senate Democrats have elected new leaders after a brutal election cycle that saw their numbers dwindle to historic lows as their counterparts in the House were able to maintain their majority.
State Sen. Ray Jones of Pikeville was chosen Monday as the new minority leader, replacing Sen. R.J. Palmer of Winchester who lost his re-election bid to Republican Ralph Alvarado.
Sen. Gerald Neal of Louisville is the new caucus chairman replacing Sen. Johnny Ray Turner of Prestonsburg.
And Sen. Julian Carrol of Frankfort is the new minority whip replacing Sen. Jerry Rhoads of Madisonville, who did not seek re-election.
Jones said Senate Democrats will be more vocal in challenging the Republican agenda. He said Democrats have done a miserable job of recruiting candidates and vowed to do better in upcoming elections.