Pending confirmation votes in both houses of the state legislature, Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) is expected to assume the office that is next in line to the governor within the next 90 days.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment Monday.

"Sen. Maldonado has proven he has the strength and courage it takes to reach across the partisan divide and put the interests of Californians first," Schwarzenegger said in a press release. "He shares my commitment to creating a transparent, accountable government that works for the people. He will be a true partner in solving the critical issues facing our state and building a stronger future for California."

Maldonado, 42, has served in the 15th state senate district since 2004. The district includes the southeastern portion of Santa Clara County, as well as the entirety of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties, and the northern portion of Santa Barbara County.

His current term expires at the end of 2012, but he would leave the seat early if he wins confirmation for the position of lieutenant governor. A special election would be scheduled to fill his senate seat until the next regular election in 2012.

Prior to serving in the state senate, starting in 1998 Maldonado, 42, represented the 33rd district in the California assembly, where he was active in securing passage of a bill to raise the state's minimum wage. From 1996 to 1998 he served as Santa Maria's youngest and first Hispanic mayor, and served on the city council from 1994 to 1996.

"Like the Governor, I place a high priority on reforming California's broken government so that it is more responsive to and reflective of California's diverse population," Maldonado said in a statement. "I'm honored to take on the position of lt. governor and I look forward to working with the governor to tackle important issues facing California."

The 15th district includes counties that contain key agricultural areas and some of the state's most popular parks. These two areas were cut heavily by the governor's budget earlier this year when he penciled in reductions to the Williamson Act open space subsidy and about $70 million to state parks.

In Santa Clara County, that included $305,000 in state assistance under the Williamson Act, which the county had to fill in due to contractual obligations to property owners who enjoy parcel tax reductions under the program. Cuts to parks will also affect northern California's largest state park, Henry W. Coe Park in Morgan Hill, where visitors will see less maintenance and upkeep over the next year.

In July, Maldonado announced his support for the governor's budget, which included a total of about $600 million in cuts, as a necessary compromise to keep the state running.

The office of lieutenant governor is currently vacant. It was previously held by John Garamendi, who recently resigned after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The lieutenant governor serves as acting governor when the elected governor is absent or dispelled from office. The office holder also serves on the University of California Board of Regents, the California State University Board of Trustees, and the California State Lands Commission. Additionally, the lieutenant governor serves as president of the California State Senate.

Compensation for the office is $159,134 annually.