LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A shifting balance of power came to a head Thursday evening at Louisville Metro Council's first meeting of the new year.
It took several votes, but Councilman Brent Ackerson, D-26, was elected as the council's new president.Â
Following the November election, the city's legislative body is now split with 14 Democrats to 12 Republicans. It's the closest the two parties have been in years on the council.
Outgoing Council President Markus Winkler, D-17, wasn't able to get his entire party's backing to win reelection.
Ultimately, it was Republicans who pushed Ackerson across the line, giving the Democrat the 14 votes needed for the president's seat. Ackerson was first elected to the council in 2008, won reelection to a snaking district that takes in pieces of St. Matthews and Jeffersontown, as well as parts of neighborhoods such as Bon Air and Hikes Point.
Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, D-1, was elected to serve as the Democratic Caucus Chair and Metro Council President Pro Tem.Â
Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, D-15, was elected as the Democratic Caucus Vice Chair.
Councilman Anthony Piagentini, R-19, was elected Minority Caucus Chair for a fourth time in seven years.
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