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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County’s representative in the state Senate is moving into a more powerful and prestigious post.
On Monday, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) announced that the Senate Democratic Caucus convened and determined that Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) will be the pro tem designee, with a transition to be announced next year.
“Sen. McGuire is a proven leader who has been a tireless champion for communities ravaged by wildfire, expanding educational opportunities, building affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and other priorities for everyday Californians,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “I congratulate him on this new role and look forward to the important work ahead with the Senate to continue tackling our current challenges and building a brighter future for all Californians.”
McGuire, 44, now becomes the highest ranking member of the state Senate.
First elected to the Senate in 2014, McGuire has been a strong advocate for Lake County, helping with the recovery effort from the area’s wildland fires and other disasters.
He moved into the Senate majority leader’s job — the second-highest ranking position in the Senate — in January of 2022.
“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,” McGuire said.
Atkins credited McGuire with being integral to several legislative victories during his time as Senate majority leader, including the 2022 climate package and the infrastructure streamlining package negotiated alongside this year’s state budget.
“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 Sen. Mike McGuire as the pro tem designee,” Atkins said. “I am confident that this will be a seamless transition, and that Sen. McGuire will continue to guide the Senate and California down a path of success. Sen. 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 Sen. McGuire as their future leader of the Senate.”
Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, who formerly represented Lake County in the Assembly, offered his congratulations to McGuire.
“Nobody works harder than Mike McGuire, whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since we were both county supervisors,” Sen. Dodd said. “He’s put in the work as majority leader and he’s proven to be an expert at bringing people together to make real headway in Sacramento. He’s also been an incredible partner on wildfire safety and so many of the top issues facing California. Simply put, he’s the right person at the right time.”
Serving as Senate pro tem since 2018, Atkins was the first woman to hold the position and the first person in 150 years to serve as both pro tem and Assembly speaker.
“Jennifer and I are deeply grateful to Pro Tem Atkins for her tremendous leadership and partnership these past four years, and for her friendship. Through immense challenges and opportunities, Toni has been steadfast in her commitment to working Californians, civil rights, and the environment, and I’m glad that our work together will continue in the months ahead. I thank Toni for her decades of service to the people of our state and know this won’t be the last we see of her in public service,” Newsom said.
“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,” said McGuire. “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.”
Dodd also lauded Atkins, calling her a “trailblazing leader.”
“I’m one of the few to serve with her when she was speaker and pro tem. It’s a reality of term limits that we need to elect a new leader, but her service to the state in the Senate and beyond will continue,” Dodd said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.