(South Dakota Broadcasters Association)– A pair of Sioux Falls-area lawmakers have officially been elected (Jan. 14, 2025) by their peers to lead the two chambers of the South Dakota Legislature. House and Senate state lawmakers voted to elevate Rep. Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids and Sen. Chris Karr to lead the chambers. Hansen will serve as the speaker of the House, while Karr will lead the Senate as president pro tempore – formalizing a closed caucus Republican vote taken in November. Both veterans of the Legislature, Hansen has served in the House for a pair of non-consecutive terms, for two years from 2011 to 2013 and now since 2019. Replacing former Speaker Hugh Bartels, Hansen is in his last term, and will be term limited in the next election. He, and his speaker pro tempore, Rep. Karla Lems, was also elected by a unanimous vote of the House. In his first official speech as speaker, Hansen paid tribute to the 100th legislative session taking place this year. “This is a milestone that bridges our past and future,” he said “Now, it is up to us, to ensure that the blessings we have received and the freedoms we enjoy are preserved, protected, and continued for future generations.” Across the hall, Karr was also affirmed by his fellow senators. A long time member of the Appropriations Committee, he is in his first term in the Senate after terming out of the House.