President pro tempore of the California State Senate

The president pro tempore of the California State Senate is the chief executive and highest-ranking member the California State Senate and serves as chair of the Senate Rules Committee. The Pro Tem is chosen at the beginning of each two-year session, via election by all the other senators-elect.
The current President pro tempore is Monique Limón, a Democratic member from the 21st district, who was sworn in on November 17, 2025.

Powers and duties

The President pro tempore acts as the chair of the Senate while the President, the Lieutenant Governor of California, is absent during meetings, having the same powers of the president. If the President Pro Tempore is absent, another Senator appointed by the President pro tempore can act as chair. The President pro tempore has a responsibility to "secure the prompt and businesslike disposition of bills and other business before the Senate."