Rep. Joseph Souki now has a majority among Democrats to replace Speaker Calvin Say when the session opens on Wednesday.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointment of Justin Woodson to fill a House vacancy on Maui gives Souki 26 of the chamber’s 44 Democrats. Souki also has the votes of the seven House Republicans. Fifty-one members serve in the House.

“I’m a strong supporter of Speaker Emeritus Souki,” Woodson said.