Senate Leader Atkins Announces Agreement Reached for Pro Tem Designee, Transition to be Announced in 2024
SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) announced that the Senate Democratic Caucus convened and determined that Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) will be the Pro Tem Designee, with a transition to be announced next year.
Senate Leader Atkins has served as Pro Tem since 2018, and was the first woman to hold the position and the first person in 150 years to serve as both Pro Tem and Assembly Speaker.
“It is a privilege to be the Senate Leader. Now, the time has come to plan for the next leader, and the Senate Democratic Caucus is unified in its decision to name Senator Mike McGuire as the Pro Tem Designee. I am confident that this will be a seamless transition, and that Senator McGuire will continue to guide the Senate and California down a path of success. Senator McGuire has been a key member of my leadership team, a trusted confidant, and time after time, the convener who sets the table to get things done. The Senate and the people of California will be in good hands with Senator McGuire as their future leader of the Senate.”
Senator McGuire, who was elected to the Senate in 2014, has served as Majority Leader since 2022, and has been integral to several legislative victories, including the 2022 climate package and the infrastructure streamlining package negotiated alongside this year’s state budget.
“Pro Tem Atkins is one of the most effective and thoughtful leaders of our time. She’s a California trailblazer, a role model for millions, and a dear friend. We will work hand-in-glove to finish out the important work that we have all fought so hard for all year – and to ensure a seamless transition into the next chapter of this great institution,” Senator McGuire said. "Words are not enough to express the extent of my gratitude, honor, and humility for being chosen by our united Caucus to lead the California Senate. Together, we will meet the challenges ahead with grace, courage, and determination. We will never stop fighting to make the promise of the Golden State real for every Californian.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins