Topeka ? The House Democratic leader’s office will feel like home to Lawrencians.

Of course newly elected leader, state Rep. Paul Davis, is from Lawrence.

His chief of staff will be Craig Grant of Lawrence, who currently serves as president of the Lawrence school board.

Grant taught for four years at West Junior High School and worked for 32 years for the Kansas-National Education Association.

Davis’ communications director is Haley Pollock, a Lawrence native who graduated from Lawrence public schools.

Pollock obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Washburn University and worked for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius before joining the House Democratic leadership office.

Dustin Hardison of Topeka will become policy director. Hardison has worked for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and KVC Behavioral Health Care.

“House Democrats’ main priority this year is to advance opportunities that make Kansas a better place to work and live,” said Davis, who starts his fourth term in the House. “I’ve made a conscientious effort to put a strong team in place that will help us move that agenda forward.”

Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House, 77-48.