Today, Toni Atkins was elected the Speaker of the California Assembly – the first open lesbian and only the third woman to hold the position.
Atkins, who previously served as Assembly Majority Floor Leader, will soon assume the seat currently occupied by John Perez, who also made history as the first openly gay California Assembly Speaker.
According to The Sacramento Bee the announcement ended months of speculation about who would take over the leadership post once Pérez leaves office at the end of 2014. Pérez emphasized the fact that not a single member of the 55-member Democratic caucus dissented from the selection of Atkins.
“It was unanimous going into the room, it was unanimous coming out of the room,” Pérez said. “There was absolute unanimity about peoples’ support and excitement about having Ms. Atkins as the next speaker.
A formal vote will come some time in the spring, Pérez said. The timeline for Atkins formally taking over has not been fixed.
“It’s the work of transition that will dictate the timeline,” Pérez said. “It is not an insignificant institution.”
The selection of Atkins marks a few milestones: it is the first time an openly gay woman will lead either chamber of the California Legislature. Atkins will also be the first lawmaker from San Diego to helm the Assembly.
