THE BUZZ — Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins will go down in history as one of the most successful state lawmakers. Her next challenge, if she runs for statewide office, will be getting the people of California to care. Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, will leave her perch of power on Feb. 5, handing over the scepter to North Coast Sen. Mike McGuire and ending a nearly six-year run as head of California’s upper chamber. She is the third lawmaker and first woman to serve as both speaker of the California Assembly and Senate president pro tem — and her reputation as a pragmatic and productive lawmaker has earned her the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It’s the kind of record that seems primed to propel someone to higher office, and Atkins for months has signaled her interest in mounting a campaign for governor in 2026. But as she approaches the final weeks of a celebrated run, she’s reckoning with the realities of her potential next step — a grueling, years-long race that would pit her against well-funded, well-known fellow Democrats as she fights for donors and endorsements. “This is a different challenge,” she told Playbook of a run for governor. “And clearly you’ve got to have resources to communicate who you are and your message.” Unlike the other hopefuls — who include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and, possibly, Attorney General Rob Bonta — Atkins has never been on a statewide ballot. That puts her at an immediate disadvantage in name recognition. Closing that gap would require a robust war chest. Atkins considers herself a good fundraiser. But she’d face tough competition in Kounalakis, who earlier this year reported more than $6 million in her campaign accounts and has connections with political insiders and wealthy donors like her father, Sacramento developer Angelo Tskapolous. Atkins would also need the support of major labor groups — many of which have strong ties with Bonta. One of her greatest strengths is her story. Born into poverty in rural Appalachia, she rose through the ranks of local government in San Diego, made history as the first lesbian to lead the Assembly, then the Senate, and passed policy on housing, reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality and the environment. “She has a story that resonates with people,” said Greg Campbell, a California lobbyist and her former chief of staff. “She has a character that resonates with people.” Atkins will spend January focused on moving two-year bills out of the chamber, after which she wants to work on some legislation as a rank-and-file member that “really matters to me.” She’s spending the holidays discussing a potential campaign with her family, and signaled she’d rather make a decision sooner than later. "I don't want to sit in a state of flux," she said. GOOD MORNING. Happy Monday. Thanks for waking up with Playbook. PLAYBOOK TIP LINE — What are you watching for in the Senate leadership change? Hear any rumblings about committee chairs? Give us a ring or drop us a line. Now you can text us at 916-562-0685 — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts now. Or drop us a line at lkorte@politico.com and dgardiner@politico.com, or on Twitter —@DustinGardiner and @Lara_Korte WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced. LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: We’re hosting a holiday-themed trivia night in Sacramento! Join POLITICO’s California team TOMORROW NIGHT, Dec. 12, for an evening of political wonkery and libations at the Fox & Goose Public House on R Street. The games start at 6 p.m. RSVP here. P.S. Prize for the most festive and/or hideous holiday outfit! | 
