"After serving on the San Diego City Council, she moved on to Sacramento, where Atkins led both the Assembly and state Senate, one of just three people in history - and the first in 147 years - to head both houses of California's Legislature. She negotiated eight state budgets with two governors and, among other achievements, passed major legislation on abortion rights, help for low-income families and a $7.5-billion water bond."
"Atkins grew up in rural Appalachia in a rented home with an outdoor privy. Her first pair of glasses was a gift from the local Lions Club. She didn't visit a dentist until she was 24. Her family was too poor. Yet for all of that, Atkins' gubernatorial campaign didn't last even to 2026, when voters will elect a successor to the termed-out Gavin Newsom. She quit the race in September, more than eight months before the primary."
Toni Atkins served on the San Diego City Council before moving to Sacramento, where she led both the Assembly and state Senate and became one of just three people to head both houses. She negotiated eight state budgets with two governors and passed major measures on abortion rights, aid for low-income families and a $7.5-billion water bond. Atkins grew up poor in rural Appalachia, lacked early dental care and received her first glasses from a Lions Club. Atkins launched a gubernatorial bid but withdrew months before the primary, citing inadequate fundraising and the absence of a viable path forward.
#toni-atkins #california-politics #gubernatorial-campaign #legislative-leadership #political-fundraising
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