SACRAMENTO – Didn’t take long for longtime San Diego city politician Toni Atkins to land a leadership role with the California Assembly.

The freshman assemblymember, who represents District 76 in San Diego, has been named Majority Whip by Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, D-Los Angeles, a key position in the Democratic Caucus Leadership.

“Assemblymember Atkins prioritizes working families,” Speaker Pérez said. “She has been a fierce advocate for jobs, and I look forward to working with her to get California back to work.”

Atkins was easily elected to office in November. Atkins and her wife, Jennifer LeSar, live in South Park with their standard poodle, Haley.

“I am deeply honored by Speaker Pérez’s appointment,” Atkins said. “Serving my community and the state is a responsibility that I take very seriously. As Majority Whip, I look forward to working with every member of the Assembly to create jobs and help bring the state out of this recession.”

Atkins was also appointed vice chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee and a member of the Health, Government Organization, Veterans Affairs, and Judiciary Committees.

Sen. Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego, who represents District 39, had praise for Atkins’ leadership.

“I have been privileged to work with Toni over the last decade to get hard-working San Diegans into well paying jobs and stable living situations. I know that in the Assembly she will continue to fight for San Diego and economic recovery for all of California,” Kehoe said.

District 76 includes the central and northern San Diego communities of Clairemont, Bay Park, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Tierrasanta, Serra Mesa, Hillcrest, University Heights, North Park, South Park, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, City Heights, Old Town, Normal Heights, Mission Hills and Downtown San Diego.