SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Legislative Women’s Caucus (LWC) proudly announces the election of Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) as its new vice chair, with a vote of acclamation from caucus membership. Vice Chair-elect Menjivar will assume the role on September 1, 2025. This vote follows the historic election of Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), current caucus vice chair, as the next president pro tempore of the California State Senate.
“While I’ll deeply miss working alongside my friend Senator Limón, I’m so proud to see her take on the role of president pro tem,” said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. “I’m thrilled to welcome Senator Menjivar as our incoming vice chair, who’s been a tireless advocate for women and children long before her time in the senate. I know she’ll be a powerful partner in leading the largest, most diverse caucus in the legislature.”
Leadership positions within the caucus alternate between the California Assembly and the California Senate every two years. This off-cycle election was held to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the current two-year term. The election of Senator Menjivar as vice chair marks a continued legacy of strong, inclusive leadership within the caucus, dedicated to advancing policy that uplifts California’s women, children, and families.
“I congratulate Senator Menjivar on her unanimous election to serve as the Legislative Women’s Caucus vice chair. Her record of effective advocacy and activism on behalf of women and girls will serve the caucus well. We welcome her leadership,” said Pro Tem-elect Senator Monique Limón.
First elected to the Senate in 2022, and having served as vice chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, Senator Menjivar has emerged as a fierce advocate for mental health access, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and economic justice. As vice chair-elect, she will help shape the LWC’s legislative priorities and continue to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities throughout the state.
“It is a great honor to step into this new role as vice chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, the largest caucus of the legislature. With this leadership role in such a formidable caucus, I am grateful for the opportunity to advance the most pressing issues for women and children in California. Having been on the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services for the past three years, I have been on the frontlines advocating for investment in the pillars that this caucus continues to fight for. As a Marine Corps veteran, I will bring my experience working with all types of people and backgrounds to accomplish our shared mission, and I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to ensure that happens. As the first lesbian to be vice chair, I also bring an intersectional lens to our policy priorities, ensuring LBTQ+ voices are not forgotten from conversations. Women may be diverse in our lived experiences and viewpoints, but the overarching issues that hold women back, hold back the entire state. This 58-woman strong caucus will continue to break down those barriers, creating a more prosperous California for all. Finally, a big thank you to my colleagues who have entrusted their faith in me to help lead our priorities within the caucus,” said Vice Chair-elect Senator Caroline Menjivar.
The caucus extends its heartfelt congratulations to Senator Limón on her historic election as the first Latina to serve as California Senate president pro tempore. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving policies that empower women and strengthen communities across California. With this leadership transition, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus reaffirms its commitment to championing the rights, health, and prosperity of all women and families in the Golden State.
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The California Legislative Women’s Caucus is a 58-member bipartisan body of women elected leaders from the California Assembly and Senate. The caucus also includes five women who hold constitutional office. Women in the legislature account for 48 percent of the legislative body.