Sen. Monique Limon Voted Unanimously By Democrats as Next Senate Leader

The California Senate Democratic Caucus unanimously agreed on Monday that Senator Monique Limon (D-Santa Barbara) will replace Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) as Senate Pro Tempore in early 2026.

A graduate of both UC Berkeley and Columbia, Limon began her political career in the 2000’s, serving as a board member of the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education, as well as being on the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women. In 2016, she was elected to the state Assembly for the first time, taking over former Assemblyman Das Williams’ seat. Limon changed houses in 2020, defeating Republican Gary Michaels 64%-36% to take over the Senate seat formerly held by Hannah-Beth Jackson.

As Senator, Limon has been noted to be “opinionated” and “arrogant” on many issues. While she has pulled off some successes in the Senate, especially on environmental issues and bills that look to help mitigate wildfires, she has also seen more of her bills than usual for a Senator not be signed into law. Notable bills of hers that never became law include a commercial mail advertising opt-out bill in 2021 and a bill last year that would have made voter registration automatic at all DMVs in the state, which Governor Newsom wound up vetoing because of the high cost. In the past week before the decision by the Caucus, Limon has likewise come out against the military from coming into Los Angeles to help quell the anti-ICE riots.

“The attacks on our immigrant communities and those exercising their right to free speech are deeply concerning,” said Limon over the past weekend. “The federal administration’s decision to send troops into our communities has instilled fear throughout the state, not just in Los Angeles. These actions sow distrust, confusion and tensions in our state. I stand with our immigrant communities and remain committed to supporting our LA delegation as they navigate this chaotic situation.”

As she is currently the chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, she was the heavy favorite to replace McGuire for some time, especially since he is both term-limited out next year and has plans to run for Insurance Commissioner. This wound up coming to fruition on Monday, with the Caucus unanimously choosing her as the next Senate pro tem.

Limon in, McGuire heading out

“I am grateful to have the support of my colleagues to be the next President pro Tempore of the California State Senate,” said Limon on Monday. “At this critical time in our state, I am committed to working with my colleagues and remain dedicated to defending our Californian values and uplifting all of our communities. Together we will build diverse coalitions and develop solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.”

While fellow Democrats embraced her as the new leader in the Senate, Republicans were a bit more cautious, both congratulating her and promising to oppose any issue that threatens to pull back the state further. It was also noted that Democrats now find themselves with a shrinking number of Senators for the first time in years, with Republicans winning several Senate races in the past seven months.

“Congratulations to Senator Monique Limon on her election as the next Senate President Pro Tempore,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego). “I’ve productively worked with Monique for several years. I look forward to continuing that collaboration in a bipartisan manner as we work together to lead the Senate effectively.

“I also want to thank Pro Tem McGuire for his service to the State of California. Even before we both entered leadership, Mike and I shared a long and positive history of working together to better California. I’ve always appreciated his willingness to listen and his respect for differing viewpoints. I thank him for his partnership and leadership over the years.

“As the loyal opposition, California Senate Republicans will continue to voice our concerns about any proposals that threaten to drag our state backward and we remain committed to working with the new Pro Tem on real solutions to help fix California.”

Limon is currently set to replace McGuire in early 2026.