Outgoing State Rep. Rodney Hubbard — who narrowly lost a State Senate bid earlier this year– has found a new gig.

The New York-based political action committee Democrats for Education Reform — run by advocates and operators of charter schools — has tapped the St. Louis lawmaker as its first Midwest regional director.

In a statement sent out by the group Monday, Hubbard said the committee would be offering support to Democrats who endorse merit pay for teachers and expanding charter schools, among other issues on the school choice wish list.

The role is a perfect fit for Hubbard, whose stance on school choice earned him both praise and scorn in the State House. It may also have cost him a chair in the State Senate — in August’s low-turnout primary election, Hubbard’s opponent, Robin Wright-Jones, had the support of the teacher’s union, which could have easily made the difference in the tight race.

Even so, school choice is a personal issue for Hubbard. A native of the city’s Carr Square public housing development, Hubbard went to Mehlville schools in the county through the voluntary desegregation program.

A hat tip to the Arch City Chronicle, which had the info on Hubbard’s new role well before this week’s press release.