Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus say they want House Speaker Billy McCoy to keep that chamber’s leadership post.

Caucus members held a news conference Thursday at the Capitol to announce their support for McCoy, D-Rienzi, in the speaker’s race.

He’s one of two legislators who have announced plans to seek the powerful speaker’s job once the next four-year legislative term begins Jan. 8. McCoy is being challenged by a fellow Democrat, Jeff Smith of Columbus, who has strong Republican support.

Caucus chairwoman Rep. Reecy Dickson, D-Macon, said landmark legislation had been passed under McCoy’s leadership.

“The House has passed bonding authority enhancing economic development, assisting small municipalities, rural areas, land, water and timber resources, as well as small businesses throughout the state,” Dickson said in a statement.

The House also has been supportive of public education and “has embraced inclusiveness and diversity,” Dickson said.

Republicans in the House have vowed to vote in a bloc for Smith as speaker.