OLYMPIA – Two legislators from the 33rd Legislative District have been chosen by their colleagues to preside over floor debate in the Washington State House and Senate.
Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) was unanimously reelected Jan. 9 as Senate President Pro Tempore, a role she has served in since 2018. She also serves as vice chair to the Senate Rules Committee and presides as chair when the lieutenant governor is not available.
The same day, Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) was unanimously reelected Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives. She served as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore from 2011 to 2016, then alternated duties with now Sen. John Lovick from 2017 to 2019, and has been the Speaker Pro Tempore since 2020.
“A presiding officer must come to the role with a strong knowledge of the rules, but most importantly, with a strong sense of fairness and judiciousness so that every member’s voice is heard,” said Keiser. “I’m honored that my colleagues have put their trust in me, and I will do my best for them and for the Senate.”
“I am privileged and deeply honored to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore in the House of Representatives,” said Orwall. “I will continue working to ensure that we keep the best interests of the residents of Washington in mind as we generate focused and thoughtful debate on the floor.”
Officers pro tempore, or “for a time,” preside over a legislative body when the chief presiding officers, the Lieutenant Governor as President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House, are not available.
In 2018, Keiser and Orwall became the first members from the same district in state history to serve in presiding roles at the same time.
