LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP, abc24.com) - Arkansas legislators have elected the first black speaker of the House.
The House elected Democratic Rep. Darrin Williams by a 54-46 vote on Friday. The election was held by secret ballot, though Democrats hold a 54-46 majority in the House.
Historians say Williams' election marks the highest elected position a black man has held in Arkansas since Reconstruction. The Little Rock state representative will take over for fellow Democrat Robert Moore on January 1, but the victory might be short-lived.
Republicans believe they're on the verge of winning control of the House in the November election, and a GOP-led chamber could vote Williams out in January.
Williams beat out Republican Rep. Terry Rice, who would have been the first Republican speaker of the House since Reconstruction.
