SACRAMENTO –  Today, in a ceremony that included his family, members of the California State Senate and Assembly, Governor Gavin Newsom and elected officials, past legislative leaders, and members of the North Coast communities he represents, Senator Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) was sworn in as President pro Tempore of the California State Senate. After thanking the first responders who are helping Californians up and down the state facing the worst storm of the year, Pro Tem McGuire said in his remarks:

On California’s storm response: “The storm is top of mind for all of us. Hundreds of thousands of Californians woke up without power this morning knocked out due to hurricane force winds, Southern California waterways are over their banks, dangerous mud slide conditions have taken hold and 100 year rain fall records are being broken.

While this is a day to Celebrate California, we hold those communities who are impacted by the ferocious storm close in our hearts this afternoon…

And If I know one thing to be true — we are never better than we are right now… Helping our neighbors in need. This is the California way.”

On his background: “I was a kid from a broken home in rural California, raised by a divorced/working mom who gave everything she had to put food on the table and a roof over our head.

I didn’t come from a family with money or a name – but I took my grandma’s lessons that still stick with me today. Work hard, work together, and never take no for an answer.

Never in a million years did I dream that a kid like me could be in this position — a position that all of us are in here in the Legislature — and have the ability to help millions across this great state achieve their own California dream.”

On his values: “My core belief is this: The highest calling in life is to help others. To fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. And to work together – no matter your party affiliation – because working together is the only way to make progress stick.

California has always been the light of hope for America – the beacon of progress – and along with the Assembly and Governor, we will continue to fight for all of us, always together, always forward.

We will meet the challenges ahead with grace, courage, and determination. We will never stop fighting to make the promise of the Golden State possible for every Californian.”

On Pro Tem Emeritus Toni Atkins: “Pro Tem Atkins, thank you. You are one of the most effective and thoughtful leaders of our time – a California trailblazer, a role model for millions, and a dear friend.”

Since joining the Senate in 2014, Pro Tem McGuire has been a champion for improving wildfire prevention and response, enhancing the state’s infrastructure, facilitating and expanding climate goals, widening health care access, improving schools, creating more affordable housing, tackling homelessness, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and protecting businesses and communities. Most recently, he has been a key member of Senate leadership, serving as Majority Leader since 2022.

Last year, Senator McGuire authored legislation that ensures that aviation fuel used by firefighting aircraft can be transported beyond standard hours during a declared state of emergency; reforms cannabis licensing fees; requires sexual harassment disclosures to stop abuse at California’s public colleges; and expedites offshore wind development to meet California’s long-term electricity demand and climate goals. He also wrote policy to protect wildfire survivors from having to pay state income taxes on settlement awards from PG& E, which was included as part of the 2023-24 state budget, and secured millions of dollars in state funding for the communities of the North Coast.

About Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire:

Pro Tem Mike McGuire is a third-generation Northern Californian whose family farmed prunes and grapes in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County for nearly half a century. He served on his local school board, city council, and board of supervisors before joining the Senate. He lives in Sonoma County with his wife Erika, an elementary school principal, their son Connor, and their lazy pug, Gertrude.

Archive video of the ceremony is available to watch online on the Senate’s website.