San Diego's Toni Atkins has a new job title: Speaker of the Assembly.
California's Democratic Assembly members on Wednesday picked Atkins to succeed the current Speaker, Assemblyman John A. Pérez. Atkins currently is the majority leader.
“I am humbled, grateful, and ready to get to work,” Atkins said in a statement. “From the drought we are experiencing to ensuring a healthy business climate and a world class educational system, California is facing important issues in the near future. I look forward to leading the State Assembly in working with the Senate and the Governor to meet our challenges and to move our great state forward."
Atkins expressed gratitude toward her colleagues for their support, and thanked her predecessor for his mentorship. She said she looks forward to working with Pérez "on a smooth transition.”
An official date has not yet been set for Atkins to take over in her new role, according to a representative from her office.
Atkins represents the mostly coastal region of San Diego's 78th District, which stretches from Imperial Beach to Solana Beach and includes some inland areas of North Park, Kensington, University Heights, City Heights and downtown San Diego.
She previously served on the San Diego City Council.
