State Sen. Kevin de León

Sen. Kevin de León, right, with chief of staff Dan Reeves, is the first Latino to hold the post of state Senate leader since 1883. (David Butow / For the Times)

June 18, 2014 5:34 PM PT

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Sen. Kevin de León was elected leader of the state Senate, becoming the first Latino to hold that post since 1883.

State Sen. Kevin de León says “It’s an improbable journey not just within the context of the political roller coaster but also where I came from.” (David Butow / For the Times)

Sen. Kevin de León worked at the One Stop Immigration Center in Los Angeles and organized against Proposition 187. (David Butow / For the Times)

Sen. Kevin de León thought he had the votes sewn up to become speaker. But too many Assembly members found De León’s ambitious nature grating, eroding his support. (David Butow / For The Times)

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), left, embraces state Sen. Kevin de León after he was elected new Senate president pro tem. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

State Sen. Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles, receives congratulations from Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway (R-Tulare) after he was elected as the new Senate leader. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)