"North Coast Lawmaker Selected as Leader by California Senate Democrats"

State Senator Mike McGuire, a moderate North Coast Democrat, has been chosen as the next leader of the California Senate, replacing Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins. McGuire's term will be brief, lasting no more than 2 ½ years, as he is termed out in 2026. The decision was made to avoid a divisive and prolonged successor campaign. McGuire's coalition was largely driven by more moderate-leaning senators, but he will likely face pressure to include more progressives, people of color, women, and LGBTQ members in his leadership team.