This year, South Dakota lawmakers went backward in pay. It was the first time they received less since 2018, when they agreed their salaries should automatically adjust year to year. But soon they’ll be back on track,

If those results hold, a dozen of those new senators and representatives will return to Pierre after a hiatus from previous legislative service.

According to unofficial election results from the State Secretary's office, thirty-nine female lawmakers will serve; up eight from the 2023-24 legislature.

Scripps News and Decision Desk HQ project South Dakota will not enshrine abortion protections in its state constitution.

The growth in female representation in South Dakota is part of a trend nationally, though most legislatures don’t have gender parity.