Gov. Gavin Newsom finally made his choice Tuesday to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ vacancy in the U.S. Senate, appointing California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to the seat.
Padilla’s choice is historic.
The son of Mexican immigrants will become the first Latino to represent California in the Senate, a state whose population is about 40% Latino. The governor broke the news to Padilla on Tuesday in an emotional video, where the 47-year-old was quick to credit his parents’ sacrifices for his road to Congress.
He joined KCBS Radio’s "The State Of California" to discuss.
"I think it’s the struggle of a lot of working parents and a lot of working families throughout California and throughout the country that deserve to have a stronger say in the United States Senate, not just because of COVID, but maybe especially because of the devastating impact that COVID has wreaked from a health and economic perspective," Padilla said.
Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, Padilla added "there is no shortage of issues" he’s eager to tackle, including climate change, healthcare and "building a more inclusive economy." However, the COVID-19 crisis remains at the top of his list. The Senator in-waiting wants to "rebuild the economy and do so in a more equitable fashion" as the pandemic has separated its major financial impact based on income level across the state and nation.
"California clearly has the most at stake," Padilla said. "We’re the largest population, the most diverse population, we’re the largest economy of any state in the nation. So, we’ve gotta get it done right for Californians, whether it’s the next COVID stimulus package, tackling climate (change), improving access to healthcare and everything else."
Once he’s sworn in, Padilla will complete Harris’ term, which expires in 2022. Keen observers have picked up that Padilla has already launched a campaign website and created a campaign committee, aiming to keep the seat he will fill.
He made it clear he’s looking to stay a U.S. Senator beyond 2022.
"The work ahead isn’t going to get done in the next two years, so I hope to continue to serve beyond that," he said. "California is a big state. I’ve campaigned statewide twice already, so I know it takes time and effort to earn the support of the voters in California to continue to work."
Apart from the nomination itself, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and others have made headlines in the wake of Tuesday’s announcement. Breed called the pick "unfortunate" and "a real blow to the African American community, to African American women, to women in general."
Harris was one of only four women in the Senate and the only Black woman.
"I know Mayor Breed. As I hear her comments here for the first time, I don’t think they’re directed at me personally. Happy to reach out and make sure that the work that’s been done to continue to advance issues of concern for women continues. I want to do my part and then some."
Padilla was largely seen as the frontrunner after picking up endorsements from Latino progressive groups and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.
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