Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by announcing that he will remain in the Senate and not make a run for California governor.
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"It is with a full heart and even more commitment than ever that I'm choosing not to run for governor of California next year," the former Los Angeles City Council member announced at the U.S. Capitol. "I choose not just to stay in the Senate, I choose to stay in this fight. Because the Constitution is worth fighting for. Our fundamental rights are worth fighting for."
Padilla has been serving in the Senate since January 2021, previously serving as California secretary of state and in the state Senate representing Los Angeles from 2006 to 2014. He served on the Los Angeles City Council from 1999 to 2006, including nearly five years as council president.
In July, another high-profile Democrat -- former Vice President Kamala Harris -- announced she would not be running for governor.
A host of Democrats are seeking the governor's office -- former congressman and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, entrepreneur Stephen Cloobeck, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, state schools chief Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Controller Betty Yee.
Two Republicans -- Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton -- are also in the race.
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