House Democrats elect Rep. Paul Davis of Lawrence as their new leader.

Davis defeated Rep. Bill Feuerborn of Garnett by a 29-18 vote on Monday. The vote was by secret ballot.

Feuerborn has been ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, while Davis has been campaign chairman for House Democrats.

Davis replaces Dennis McKinney as minority leader after he was named by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be state treasurer. McKinney replaces Republican Lynn Jenkins, who was elected in November to represent Kansas' 2nd District in Congress.

Republicans hold a majority in the 125-member Kansas House.

The 2009 legislative session begins Jan. 12.