Limón Wins the Vote—But Not the Gavel Just Yet

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.