Updated at 1:01 p.m.
The 87th Minnesota legislative session convened at noon on Tuesday with Republicans at the helm for the first time in more than three decades and a Democrat sitting in the governor's office.
Opening day at the Capitol is steeped largely in procedural hurdles, such as swearing in members and formally electing party leaders. Both houses of the Legislature convened simultaneously in their respective chambers, which were packed with friends and family members.
"As we begin this new legislative session, we know we do so at a time of great challenge and need," said Rev. Grady St. Dennis during the House opening prayer. "A time like no other in our state's history."
The House elected Rep. Kurt Zellers Speaker of the House soon after 12:30 p.m.
"We have a daunting task ahead of us," Zellers said. "This is going to be a difficult, difficult economic recovery. Starting slow and it may slow down a little bit more. But again, my faith lies not only in us here in the Capitol but the businesswomen and men of this great state to help us lead our way out."
The Senate elected Sen. Amy Koch as the first female Senate Majority Leader shortly after.
"Over the course of the session I am certain that we will have agreements and we will have differences," Koch said. "But I'm also certain that we already share many of the same goals for our state: a strong and growing economy, good schools, support and safety for families, respect for the military and a government that works."
