Don Perata is a California politician, who is currently President Pro Tem of the California State Senate.

He earned his degree from St. Mary's College and taught English, History, and Civics from 1966 to 1981 in Alameda County schools. He was elected as an California State Assemblyman for the Oakland, Alameda, and Piedmont district in 1996 and a State Senator for the 9th District (includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Livermore, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, and San Pablo) in 1998. He became the California State Senate President Pro Tem in 2004.

He is a member of the Democratic Party.