Toni Atkins, California's First Lesbian Senate Leader, Considers Run for Governor

Atkins' Potential Candidacy Could Break Barriers in a Competitive Race to Replace Gov. Gavin Newsom

Toni Atkins, California's first lesbian Senate leader, is seriously considering running for governor.
Atkins has previously filled in as governor and has experience as the speaker of the state Assembly and the president pro tempore of the Senate.
The race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to be a Democratic free-for-all, with several other candidates also expressing interest.
California has never elected a woman or an openly LGBTQ person to the governor’s office.
Atkins' potential run is driven by her experience and her desire to make a difference, as evidenced by her work implementing the federal Affordable Care Act and creating a tax credit for poor families.