By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
In December, incoming California Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) announced her leadership and committee appointments for the 2025–2026 legislative session, including several members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
Senators Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D–Los Angeles), Laura Richardson (D–Inglewood), and Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D–San Diego) were appointed to prominent leadership roles with oversight of key policy areas.
“The days are long, the debates are many, and the decisions we make matter deeply for the future of California,” said Weber Pierson, who is chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). “It’s hard work, but it’s worth every moment.”
Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas, who represents the 28th Senate District, will chair the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. She was elected to the State Senate in November 2022.
In her role, Smallwood-Cuevas will lead legislative efforts related to worker rights, public-sector employment, pensions, and benefits, while advancing policies that support fair wages, safe workplaces, labor law compliance, and economic equity.
She also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Review, Business, Professions and Economic Development, Governmental Organization, and Rules committees.
A former labor organizer, Smallwood-Cuevas has long championed equity in California’s workforce and its role in strengthening the state’s economy.
“An equitable workforce is not just the right thing to do; it’s how we create a level playing field and build an economy that works for everyone,” Smallwood-Cuevas said.
Richardson, who represents the 35th Senate District in South Los Angeles, will chair Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation. She was sworn into office on Dec. 2, 2024.
As chair, Richardson will oversee budget reviews for state agencies including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the courts, and transportation departments. She also serves on the Senate Democratic Leadership Team as Assistant Majority Leader.
Richardson is assigned to the Legislative Budget, Appropriations, Banking and Financial Institutions, Emergency Management, Insurance, and Budget and Fiscal Review committees.
Weber Pierson will chair the Senate Health Committee. A board-certified pediatrician, Weber Pierson has served in the California Legislature since April 2021, first in the Assembly and later transitioning to the Senate in December 2024.
As Health Committee chair, Weber Pierson will review and shape legislation related to public and private health insurance, behavioral health, public health systems, facilities, workforce development, technology, emergency medical services, and pharmaceuticals.
She also serves on several other committees, including Climate Change Policies, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, and the Standing Committees on Health and Judiciary.
For the 2025–2026 legislative session, the California State Senate has 46 total committees, including 23 standing committees and numerous select committees. Standing committees meet regularly throughout the year,
while joint committees include members from both the Senate and the Assembly.
Richardson and Smallwood-Cuevas also serve on the Joint Committee on the Arts.
“These roles require tremendous responsibility,” Weber stated.
With more than 2,000 bills introduced each year, committee chairs play a key role in determining which proposals receive public hearings, according to Senate.CA.gov.
The leadership appointments announced by Limón are effective for the remainder of the 2025–2026 session, with most changes taking effect on Feb. 1, 2026. As Senate president pro tempore, Limón will also chair the Senate Rules Committee, overseeing the internal operations and business of the Senate.
Limón was selected as Senate president pro tempore designee by the Democratic Caucus on June 9, 2025, making history as the first Latina to hold the post. A formal swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026, in Sacramento.
“I am proud to assume the role of President pro Tempore of the California State Senate at this critical time in our state and the nation’s history,” Limón said. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to move California forward and address the issues impacting the almost 40 million people who call this state home.”
See a full list of Senate committee appointments.