State Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, has carved out a piece of California history, winning unanimous support to become the next Senate president pro tem — the first Latina in the state’s history to hold the position.

Limón, 45, a child of immigrant parents from Mexico, and a graduate of Cleveland Elementary School and Santa Barbara High School, won unanimous support from the Senate Democratic Caucus.

She is set to take over as Senate president in 2026.

It’s a stunning political development that squarely places political power in her hands and thrusts Santa Barbara and her 21st Senate District into the California spotlight.

At a time when President Trump has clashed with California and Gov. Gavin Newsom, Limón finds herself in a pivotal position to defend the state amid a series of federal threats, and most recently the deployment of National Guard troops into Los Angeles to combat protesters opposing raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“The attacks on our immigrant communities and those exercising their right to free speech are deeply concerning,” Limón told Noozhawk. “The federal administration’s decision to send troops into our communities has instilled fear throughout the state, not just in Los Angeles. These actions sow distrust, confusion and tensions in our state.

“I stand with our immigrant communities and remain committed to supporting our LA delegation as they navigate this chaotic situation.”

Limón said she is humbled to receive the support of her colleagues.

She said the California Senate is working on behalf of all Californians to develop a balanced budget that protects vital programs.

“Looking to the future, we must work to address critical issues impacting our state — from mitigating the impacts of severe weather and protecting our environment, to maintaining access to health care, to supporting the needs of our working families, children and underserved communities,” Limón said. “I am focused on getting the work done on behalf of Californians.”

She acknowledged the emotion of the moment.

“Only in California can the daughter of immigrant parents go from Harding and Cleveland Elementary School to becoming the next president pro tempore of the California State Senate.”

Limón has served for 10 years in the state Legislature, and with term limits, she will leave office in 2028.

Before serving in the Senate, she was first elected to the California Assembly. She also served on the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education.

“Sen. Limón earned the respect and support of her Senate colleagues the old-fashioned way — through passionate, determined, focused and inclusive leadership,” said 37th District Assemblyman Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara. “Monique has a rare ability to bring people together to find solutions that honor diverse perspectives.”

Hart said California is fortunate to have Limón’s “transformative leadership at this historically challenging time.”

Limón is chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and the Legislative Women’s Caucus, and vice chair of the Central Coast Legislative Caucus. She has her own political power base, is well-liked, has a wide group of supporters and was considered for the job in the past.

In addition to being the first Latina to serve in the role, she is also the first woman from Santa Barbara to lead the Senate.

Limón, as Senate president, along with the Assembly speaker and the governor largely shape the state budget, and also hold considerable sway over committee assignments and the flow of legislation in the Senate.

The current Senate leader, Democrat Mike McGuire of Santa Rosa, is termed out next year.

In a public statement on Monday in Sacramento, Limón thanked McGuire “for his continuous steady leadership and unwavering commitment to Californians.”

Limón earlier this year spoke out against Sable Offshore Corp.’s efforts to restart an oil pipeline.

In a statement on her social media, Limón said Monday night: “I am grateful to have the support of my colleagues to be the next president pro tempore of the California state Senate. At this critical time in our state, I am committed to working with my colleagues and remain dedicated to defending our California values and uplifting all of our communities. Together, we will build diverse coalitions and develop solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.”