Toni Atkins (Democratic State Senator) is the acting Governor of California. This happens because Governor Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kunalakis, and Governor Gavin Newsom are both out of town. Emily Hoeven, CalMatters reporter, tweeted Tuesday night.
“@toniatkins Currently serves as the Acting Governor for California. @GavinNewsom Washington, D.C., Lt. Gov. @EleniForCA in Greece visiting her family, I’ve learned,” Hoeven said.
NEW: @toniatkinsCurrently serves as the Acting Governor for California. @GavinNewsomWashington, D.C., Lt. Gov. @EleniForCAIn Greece, visiting my family, I learned.
— Emily Hoeven (@emily_hoeven) July 12, 2022
Atkins serves as the California State Senate’s president pro tempore. This makes her the third candidate for the governorship. She formerly served as the speaker of the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2016 after being elected to the legislative body in 2010, according to the legislature’s LGBTQ caucus website.
Acting governor, who represents the 39th State Senate District which includes large portions of San Diego in 2016, was elected. He has been acting president protempore since 2018.
Although Atkins won’t likely take swift action in her role as acting governor she must ask the question of why Newsom and Kounalakis left at the same time. Based on her resume, it’s clear that Atkins is not much different politically compared with both, but at least one of the statewide elected leaders should be around, as a matter of principle.
Then again, Democrats rule the roost over almost everything in the Golden State, so perhaps it’s a moot point. Still, Californians have a right to know who’s in charge.
Hoeven is also commended for the amazing California scoops she has been doing lately. Her efforts to hold California leaders accountable are something I salute.
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