Monique Limón is Sworn in as 50th President Pro Tempore in California Senate

Senator Monique Limón was sworn in today as the 50th President pro Tempore of the California Senate during a formal ceremony at the Capitol. She is the first Latina to hold the upper house top leadership position. The event was attended by fellow senators from both parties, members of the Assembly, Governor Newsom, and the state’s other constitutional officers. Former Presidents pro Tempore and Assembly Speakers also attended the swearing-in ceremony in the Senate Chamber. Family members sat in the gallery, along with longtime staff, labor and environmental leaders, and local officials from her Central Coast district.

After taking the oath, Limón thanked her colleagues for their trust and acknowledged those who supported her path to leadership, including mentors and community advocates. She spoke plainly about the work ahead, emphasizing housing, affordability, climate preparedness, and maintaining a functional legislative process during a challenging budget year.

Several senators offered brief remarks, noting her experience in committee leadership and her reputation for collaboration. Staff members, past and present, were also recognized for their role in keeping the Senate running day to day.

Following the ceremony, the Senate quickly returned to business. Limón moved into introductory meetings with caucus leaders and senior staff to outline priorities for the session. While the swearing-in marked a milestone, the focus of the day remained on governing, with an understanding that the responsibilities of the role begin immediately.

Her first major test will be how she leads her caucus toward solutions to a multibillion-dollar budget deficit.