McGuire is a past recipient of Ag Council’s Influential Legislator Award
State Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) was chosen by fellow Senate Democrats on August 28th, 2023, to become the next Senate president pro tempore (pro tem). Current President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said the transition will be announced in 2024 to ensure a smooth changeover to the next leader.
“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 State Senate,” McGuire said.
“Senator Toni 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. We will work hand-in-glove to finish out the important work we have all fought so hard for all year and to ensure a seamless transition into the next chapter of this great institution.”
Senate Leader Atkins said, “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 Senator Mike McGuire as the pro tem designee.”
Ag Council President Emily Rooney said, “Ag Council congratulates Pro Tem-Designee McGuire and looks forward to working with him in his new leadership role. Senator McGuire is highly aware of the challenges and opportunities facing our members given the North Coast district he represents encompasses multiple agricultural commodities.”
“We appreciate his work as a member of the Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy to ensure funding for critical ag-related climate incentive programs. For those efforts and more, Ag Council awarded Senator McGuire its Influential Legislator Award in 2019.”
“We also thank Pro Tem Atkins for her leadership and the collaboration she continues to provide,” Rooney said.
As background, the pro tem serves as the principal leader in creating the Senate policy agenda. In addition, the pro tem is responsible for the administration of the Senate and managing its relationships with the Assembly and the executive branch.
The pro tem also serves as chair of the Rules Committee, which appoints the Senate’s committees, assigns bills to committees, and conducts the administrative work of the Senate.
Senator McGuire is the current majority leader in the Senate where he works with Pro Tem Atkins to set legislative and budget priorities for the year and manages the movement of bills through the Senate. His North Coast district comprises: Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Marin, Sonoma (part), and Trinity counties.
Click here for the official announcement.