Republicans in the Kansas House have elected a freshman lawmaker from Olathe (oh-LAY’-thuh) to fill a vacant leadership position.

Rep. Ron Ryckman (RYK’-man) Jr. will be the House majority whip, serving as the Republicans’ chief vote-counter on significant issues. He prevailed over Rep. Travis Couture-Lovelady of Palco on a 62-28 vote Monday.

Ryckman will replace former Brian Weber of Dodge City, who resigned from the Legislature in June for family and business reasons.

Ryckman already is serving as chairman of the House Social Services Budget Committee. He is the son of Rep. Ron Ryckman, a Meade Republican who was elected to the House in 2010.