For far too long, women have been woefully underrepresented in our elected offices. Fortunately, the tide has started the change as more women are running for political office and more legislative bodies place female politicians in leadership positions. We’re seeing some of the latter from California, where the state Senate is geared to make history. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports:

California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De León announced Thursday that the chamber is set to pick San Diego Sen. Toni Atkins as his successor, making her the first woman and first openly gay legislator to hold the leadership position, a move that is bringing praise from Democrats and Republicans alike. De León, D-Los Angeles, said in a statement that Atkins, D-San Diego, “will make history and be our Senate's next president pro tempore. I have every confidence she will lead America's most accomplished legislative chamber to even greater heights and build on our extraordinary progress.”

Congrats to Sen. Atkins and the California Democrats on this long-overdue milestone!

x It's my honor to announce that my friend @toniatkins will make history and be our Senate's next President pro Tempore. I have every confidence she will lead America's most accomplished legislative chamber to even greater heights and build on our extraordinary progress. #CAleg https://t.co/N7w17AUIJF — Kevin de LeÃ¡Â½Â¹n (@kdeleon) December 7, 2017