Arthur Hastings Breed Sr. (November 27, 1865 – April 28, 1953) was an American politician who served in the California State Senate as a Republican, representing the 15th and 16th districts.

He was also the longest serving President pro tempore of the Senate, holding the role for 16 years between 1917 and 1933.

[1] Born in San Francisco in 1865, Breed became involved in buying sand lots in the city from a young age.

After the Panic of 1893, Breed was left with large amounts of debt from his mortgages and was told by a friend that he should run for auditor and assessor of Oakland to earn some extra money.

In 1917 he became President pro tempore of the Senate and held the post for 16 years until 1933, being the longest person to hold that role.