– Gov. Jay Nixon announced on Friday that he has named state Sen. Ryan McKenna, D-Jefferson County, the new director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Nixon said McKenna – serving his final term in the state Senate – would join his administration on December 18, replacing acting Director Julie Gibson who will return to her previous position as director of the Division of Workforce Development.

“Ryan McKenna’s solid experience, knowledge and leadership skills will help this department continue to expand opportunities for Missouri families and businesses and move our economy forward,” Nixon said in a statement. “The Department of Labor plays a vital role in our efforts to make Missouri a great place to live, work and do business so I am pleased to appoint McKenna to this important Cabinet position.”

Nixon said McKenna’s name would be submitted to the Senate for confirmation.

McKenna’s appointment to Nixon’s administration slims the Democratic Party’s already minimal presence in the Senate. It is not clear how McKenna’s pending resignation will affect the race to replace him next year. Two candidates – Republican Paul Wieland and Democrat Jeff Roorda – are competing for the seat already. Nixon could call a special election as soon as March or April.

On the same day, Nixon also announced the nomination of Rep. Dennis Fowler, R-Advance, to the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole. If approved, his resignation would slim the Republican majority to 108, one short of the 109 votes required to override gubernatorial vetoes. Fowler was one of 15 Republicans to defect from his party on the override attempt of House Bill 253 (the Republican tax plan) in September.