Bill Sterling must fill a vacancy left by the death of an incumbent.

Senator Sterling fields questions during his first official press conference and against the advice of his Chief of Staff Jackie Brock responds to the dreaded drug issue, opening the flood gates for his political foes. Prompted by his son's uncomfortable appearance behind the podium former California Governor Bill Sterling Sr. heads to Washington D.C. to offer some political advice. Elsewhere, Senior Senator Jackson preys on the naïve Sterling's admiration, asking for his endorsement on a questionable bill. Meanwhile, Tommy Doyle and Leon Montero attempt to come up with a suitable answer for the drug question.

Days after taking office, Senator Sterling is pushed by a determined Jackie to make a life-altering decision to begin his campaign for reelection. As the Senator grapples with this commitment, former chief-of-staff Arthur Peyton goes shopping for a billion-dollar Democratic candidate while the Republicans anoint a wealthy businesswoman of their own to run in California. Elsewhere, Leon struggles with his relationship with roommate Laura Chandler who is Sterling's media adversary. William Russ also stars.