Anthony Rendon To Be Sworn In As Speaker Of California Assembly

7:11 a.m.: The California state Assembly will swear-in a new Speaker Monday. Assemblyman Anthony Rendon will take the oath of office at 1 p.m. Rendon could be in the position for awhile.

Rendon will be the first Speaker who has entered the Legislature under new term limits voters approved in 2012. Under the old limits, Assemblymembers could serve no more than six years in the chamber. Speakers have averaged less than two years in the top job. Rendon could serve up to eight.

The Lakewood Democrat is in his second-term. Before entering the Legislature, he led the California League of Conservation, and then an early childhood education non-profit.

Rendon has said he wants to make funding early childhood education a priority, as well as reforming the state Public Utilities Commission. He could have ample time to work on those objectives.

6 a.m.: (AP) - A Democrat who was selected six months ago by his peers to lead the California Assembly is moving to his new role this week.

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon of Lakewood will be sworn in as the state's 70th speaker Monday. He will lead a chamber of 51 Democrats and 28 Republicans.

Rendon was integral in negotiating a $7.5 billion water bond that voters passed in 2014. The former Head Start leader is also known for his push for prekindergarten funding and environmental stances.

He was elected under extended term limits that allow a member to serve in one chamber for up to 12 years. That could allow him to become the longest-serving speaker in decades.

Rendon succeeds Democratic Speaker Toni Atkins of San Diego whose Assembly term ends this year.