Sonoma County State Senator Takes Top Leadership Post

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A North Bay state senator has taken one of Sacramento's biggest roles.

Sen. Mike McGuire, who represents a large swath of Northern California including much of Sonoma County, was named Senate majority leader Wednesday by Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.

The 42-year-old Healdsburg resident replaces Bob Hertzberg, the former Assembly speaker who terms out this year and on Tuesday launched a bid for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

In California, the Senate majority leader is the body’s second-highest post behind the President Pro Tem.

McGuire has emerged as a rising star in the Democratic party since launching his career with a successful 2004 Healdsburg City Council run.

"With bold leadership along with the ingenuity and hard work Californians are known for, the Golden State is poised to emerge from this pandemic stronger," McGuire said in a statement. "That’s why I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with our exceptional Senate leader, Pro Tem Toni Atkins."

"With Senator Atkins in the lead, we’re bringing forward one of America’s strongest climate action plans, building more affordable housing, increasing our wildfire resilience and advancing solutions to the homelessness crisis — and that’s just the beginning.

"Yes, we’re living in challenging times, but I’m more energized than ever to work with Pro Tem Atkins and the State Senate to ensure our best days are still ahead."

McGuire has served as assistant majority leader for three years.

"I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role. And, my top priority will always be the North Coast. We have been through so much together over the last several years —multiple wildfires, floods, extreme drought and this pandemic," McGuire said.

"Even through our darkest days, we never gave up and we never gave in. Together, we will never quit fighting for the future of the North Coast and the Golden State."