Six sources close to the situation confirmed as of Sunday morning Limón, a Latina from Santa Barbara, had at least 16 votes from her fellow Democrats to be the next Senate president pro tem to replace current Pro Tem Mike McGuire.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California state senate could soon have its first woman of color at the helm as State Sen. Monique Limón has enough votes to be the next leader of the upper house.
Six sources close to the situation confirmed as of Sunday morning Limón, a Latina from Santa Barbara, had at least 16 votes from her fellow Democrats to be the next Senate president pro tem to replace current Pro Tem Mike McGuire.
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While McGuire terms out of the state senate next year, it’s not clear if Democrats will wait that long to install their new leader.
The votes and possible leadership shakeup come after what became a chaotic weekend in the race to replace McGuire, which ultimately came down to Limón and current Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, from Long Beach.
As of late Saturday, multiple sources said McGuire was unwilling to accept Limón’s votes as he has been pushing for Gonzalez.
Senators were scheduled to caucus Sunday about the state budget negotiations and immigration, where this could be further discussed.
Sources said Limón has requested an in-person caucus meeting in Sacramento among Democratic state senators on Monday for an official vote.
