California Senate to get first new leader in 5 years. Here’s who will take over

A Northern California Democrat will become the new state Senate leader after making his move to succeed the body’s longtime president pro tempore just before the end of this year’s legislative session.

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, announced Monday evening that Senate Democrats decided by “acclamation unanimously” that Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, will take over the leadership role.

The caucus met at the Capitol after floor session for about an hour and a half before emerging with the decision. Atkins said during a news conference she and McGuire are still discussing a transition date, but that he will likely start the job early next year. The current legislative year will end on Sept. 14.

McGuire is term-limited in 2026, meaning his tenure will likely last only about two years. Atkins, who was sworn in as pro tem in 2018, was the first woman to lead the Senate.

“I think first and foremost we are in total agreement, this caucus, that we need to get through the next three weeks,” Atkins said, surrounded by fellow Senate Democrats. “That will be our focus. That is what you will see.”

Atkins plans to step aside

Atkins told The Sacramento Bee she wants to continue working in public service and will likely make an announcement about her next move early in the new year. She currently has a 2026 lieutenant governor fundraising account with about $1.4 million, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Atkins said she was aware McGuire, who currently serves as Senate majority leader, was interested in the pro tem position. But he rapidly pulled support together to vie for the job. Politico first reported McGuire had worked through the weekend to lobby the votes necessary to secure the role.

“You don’t dictate that when someone is having conversations,” Atkins said. “And I know that Mike and a number of others were having idle conversations. But when when it starts to come together, it takes on a life of its own, and it just is what it is.”

But even Atkins seemed somewhat surprised at McGuire’s speedy coalition-building.

“It took the weekend!” she exclaimed. “That’s it — the weekend!”

Legislative leadership changes

The Senate leadership shake-up is the second the Legislature has experienced in the past two years. Last year, Assemblyman Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, announced in May he had gathered enough Democrats to challenge Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood.

Their contentious speakership battle dragged on for months as Rendon, who terms out in 2024, would not relinquish power so easily. Rivas finally emerged with a transition agreement in November after the second of two six-hour caucus meetings. He was sworn in as the new Assembly leader on June 30.

Atkins, who is also set to term out next year, said she did not plan to remain pro tem until the end of her term, calling that expectation “not fair or realistic.” She served as Assembly speaker prior to Rendon, so this will not be her first leadership transition.

“You need to know when it’s time to go,” she said. “And I felt I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to be the pro tem for five, almost and a half, years. I feel very grateful. And so I was prepared at the beginning of next year. And our timeline is probably going to flow that way too.”

With McGuire and Rivas leading the Legislature, the Capitol’s power center shifts away from Southern California. Both Rivas, whose district is on the Central Coast, and McGuire hail from more rural, agriculture-heavy areas.

When asked what inspired him to seek the pro tem role, McGuire mentioned a host of important California issues, including climate change, homelessness, wildfires and reproductive rights.

“There is no shortage of issues,” McGuire said. “And the reason why I would like to work with these senators is to continue to make sure that the California Dream is available for all. And we need to work as a body to tackle the most pressing issues and advance innovative solutions that are impacting our communities.”

This story was originally published August 28, 2023 at 7:22 PM.