This week, California Senate President Pro-Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced the Senate Democratic Caucus came to unanimous agreement that Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) will be the Pro-Tem Designee.
McGuire’s term will be brief, as he terms-out in 2026. Although they are still discussing a transition date, it is likely to begin early next year.
This decision ends a historical run for Atkins, as she was the first woman to hold the position and the first person in 150 years to serve as both pro-tem and speaker in the California State Assembly.
McGuire — a moderate Democrat representing an expansive North Coast district that spreads from Marin County to the Oregon-California border — has been a member of Atkins’ leadership team as the chamber’s majority leader since 2022. Since his election, he has built a strong relationship with his local credit unions and has continued to advocate for the credit union movement.
The leader of the California State Senate is one of the most powerful positions in state politics, acting as the body’s chief negotiator with the state’s governor and the assembly speaker on key legislation and the state’s $300 billion-plus annual operating budget.
“The California Credit Union League would like to congratulate Senator Atkins on this historical run,” said Angelica Pappalardo, political advocacy manager. “We look forward to working with Senator McGuire in his new role.”
