State Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, was elected by unanimous consent as Caucus Chairman of the 9th District Legislative Delegation at a meeting at the state capitol today.

Twenty-three legislators, who represent portions of the 9th Congressional District, gathered in Atlanta to elect new caucus leadership and a new Department of Transportation Board Member for the district.

Former Lumpkin County Commissioner Chairman Steve Gooch was elected by the delegation to serve out the remaining three years on the transportation board for Dalton attorney Steve Farrow, who resigned from the 9th District post last August.

After the vote, Graves said he was honored to receive the support of his colleagues in the delegation by electing him caucus chairman and that he looked forward to working with the newest member of the transportation board.

“The state has a big task at hand in addressing the transportation challenges facing Georgia,” said Graves. “We in the legislature have begun to take steps to combat this issue, but more is needed. I am ready to work with Steve, Commissioner Smith and the other members of the board in getting the department turned around and improving Georgia’s transportation infrastructure.”

Graves, who is in his fourth term representing House District 12, was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002. He is one of several Republican candidates seeking the nomination to run for the 9th District seat.