Toni Gayle Atkins (born August 1, 1962) is an American politician who served as the 51st president pro tempore of the California State Senate from 2018 to 2024.

[2] She graduated from Emory & Henry College in 1984 and earned a BA in political science, focusing on community organizing.

She then served for a number of years as council representative and policy analyst to City Councilmember Christine Kehoe.

She continues to serve on the San Diego River Conservancy as an appointee of former California State Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson.

[16] In 2012 she introduced AB 1522, a bill to prevent the granting of financial support and other spousal rights to abusive spouses.

The bill was inspired by the case of a San Diego woman who was ordered to pay legal fees and spousal support to her ex-husband even though he was in prison for abusing her.

As Speaker she helped to write and secure passage for a $7.5-billion water bond that was approved by the legislature and the voters in 2014.

[23] In 2018, Atkins succeeded Kevin de León as State Senate President pro tempore.

[8][9] She is the third person to serve as both Speaker of the Assembly and President pro tempore of the Senate, after Ransom Burnell and James T. Farley.

The bill proposed major reforms to address the California housing shortage by reducing local control (such as requiring the permitting of more apartment construction near public transit and in suburbs with high-paying jobs).

[27][28] Atkins has faced criticism for accepting donations from fossil fuel corporations and failing to pass major climate legislation.