Limón Wins the Vote—But Not the Gavel Just Yet
Brownstein Client Alert, June 11, 2025
On June 9, 2025, California State Senate Democrats voted in caucus to elect Sen. Monique Limón (D-Goleta) as the next president pro tempore. She is set to succeed current Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire in early 2026, marking a historic moment as the first Latina and first woman of color to lead the upper house.
The vote followed a competitive and, at times, uncertain weekend as Limón and Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez emerged as the two leading contenders. Sen. Angelique Ashby was also considered a contender for this role. Despite initial indications that outgoing President Pro Tem McGuire favored Gonzalez, Limón successfully consolidated support and called for a formal caucus vote of members present, which resulted in her selection by the Democratic Caucus. This vote has not been codified on the Senate floor by the full body, and it is uncertain when such a vote may occur.
Limón’s election was backed by a diverse coalition of Democratic legislators, including members of both the progressive wing and the more moderate, business-friendly group.
Sen. Limón is expected to assume the role of pro tempore in early 2026. While there is widespread speculation about who will be named to other Senate leadership posts, no formal announcements have been made, and internal appointments are not expected until closer to the transition date. It’s worth noting that the projected six-month transition is unusually long for a leadership succession. While such transitions are often coordinated for stability, the position of Senate president pro tempore can be changed at any time through a vote of the legislative body. The timing of the vote, and announcement, is also unusual given its proximity to the state’s constitutional deadline to pass a balanced budget: June 15.
Limón’s leadership will likely maintain the Senate’s progressive priorities in areas like environmental protection, equity and consumer rights, while her cross-faction support may suggest a measured and collaborative governing style. We will continue to track developments related to Senate leadership and key policy priorities that may emerge during the transition period and under her tenure.
About Sen. Limón
Elected to the Senate in 2020, Limón represents portions of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. She previously served in the State Assembly and on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board. Her policy work includes:
- Environmental leadership: championed oil and gas setback legislation, advocated for a ban on fracking, and has been an outspoken voice on clean energy and climate resilience.
- Consumer protection: led on pay transparency, financial literacy and regulating predatory lending practices.
- Disaster readiness: represents a wildfire-impacted region and has advanced legislation to support preparedness and insurance access.
This document is intended to provide you with general information regarding the California Senate president pro tempore. The contents of this document are not intended to provide specific legal advice. If you have any questions about the contents of this document or if you need legal advice as to an issue, please contact the attorneys listed or your regular Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP attorney. This communication may be considered advertising in some jurisdictions. The information in this article is accurate as of the publication date. Because the law in this area is changing rapidly, and insights are not automatically updated, continued accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Contributors:
- Stephanie Jimenez, Policy Analyst
- Baltazar Cornejo, Policy Advisor
- Steven Stenzler, Senior Policy Advisor
- Gregory Hayes, Policy Director
- Colton Stadtmiller, Policy Analyst
- Catherine Charles, Policy Advisor
- Brandon Knapp, Policy Analyst
- Samantha Corbin, Policy Director
- Alex Torres, Sr. Policy Advisor
- Rashad Johnson, Policy Director
- Quach, Sophia A.N., Policy Analyst
- Theodore Ellington, Policy Director
- Alicia Priego, Policy Director
Recent Insights
Read MorePresident Trump Sends Letters Updating Tariffs; Extends “Reciprocal” Tariff Pause to Aug. 1
Client Alert | July 07, 2025The First Amendment and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Prescription Drug Ads
Client Alert | July 03, 2025White House Seeks To Streamline Funding For Domestic Energy, Critical Mineral Projects
Client Alert | July 02, 2025Senate Finance Committee Tax Title – Summary and Analysis
Client Alert | July 01, 2025Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Reconciliation Bill Summary
Client Alert | July 01, 2025Senate Concludes OBBBA Vote-a-Rama
You have chosen to send an email to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck or one of its lawyers. The sending and receipt of this email and the information in it does not in itself create and attorney-client relationship between us.
If you are not already a client, you should not provide us with information that you wish to have treated as privileged or confidential without first speaking to one of our lawyers.
If you provide information before we confirm that you are a client and that we are willing and able to represent you, we may not be required to treat that information as privileged, confidential, or protected information, and we may be able to represent a party adverse to you and even to use the information you submit to us against you.
I have read this and want to send an email.