The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed former House Democratic Leader Dr. Eric Meyer of Paradise Valley to fill the vacant seat in Legislative District 4, which will bring the House Democratic Caucus back to its full strength at 29 members.

Meyer served as House Democratic Leader from 2014 to 2016, leaving only after reaching his term limit in 2017, according to a press release. He was first elected to represent the then Legislative District 11 in the north-central Phoenix and Paradise Valley area in 2008. He continued to serve in the redrawn LD 28, and now will serve LD 4 which encompasses much of the same area.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Meyer grew up and attended public schools in Scottsdale, according to the release. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Southern California before returning to Arizona to get his medical degree at the University of Arizona.

He and his wife, Sarah Snell who is also a medical doctor, have two children.

“I enjoyed my years of prior service in the House and look forward to responding to the needs of my constituents and to the issues facing all Arizonans,” Meyer said in the release. “I am humbled to have this opportunity and understand the importance and magnitude of my appointed position.”

House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras has served with Meyer and seen his public service in action.

“He was an effective and forward-looking leader, and a staunch voice for Arizona’s public schools, our health care safety net and our environment,” Contreras said in the release. “All three of the candidates put forward for consideration — including Kelli Butler and Karen Gresham — were stellar choices. Even if it’s temporary, our caucus and our constituents will benefit with Dr. Meyer back in the fold.”