The 1992 California State Senate elections were held on November 3, 1992. Senate seats of odd-numbered districts were up for election. Senate terms are staggered so that half the membership is elected every two years. Senators serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. The Democratic Party held on to the majority of the seats, though they lost two, one to a Republican and one when Lucy Killea switched from Democratic to Independent.

The 1990 California State Senate elections were held on November 6, 1990. Senate seats of even-numbered districts were up for election. Senate terms are staggered so that half the membership is elected every two years. Senators serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. The Democratic party won 15 seats, gaining a seat from the Republicans. The Republicans won 4 seats, and Independent Quentin L. Kopp was reelected.