California Senate leader Toni Atkins to step down, Mike McGuire to take over as president pro tempore

Toni Atkins, the first woman and openly gay leader of the California Senate, announced she will step down from her leadership post next year.
Sen. Mike McGuire will replace Atkins as the Senate's president pro tempore in 2024.
The transition was announced early to avoid a lengthy successor campaign and allow the Senate to focus on legislative work.
As leader, McGuire is expected to prioritize climate change, wildfires, housing, reproductive rights and other key issues.
McGuire currently represents a rural Northern California district and his tenure as leader is expected to be transitional.