Rep. Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, has been elected House Minority Leader by the House Democratic caucus, replacing former Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, who lost to Republican Mike Kingsley in the November election. Erpelding formerly was assistant minority leader. The new assistant minority leader is Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise; and the new minority caucus chair is Rep. Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello. The only contested race was between Smith and Rep. Hy Kloc, D-Boise, for the caucus chair position.