The anger has breathed new life into a recall campaign that was launched by activists last spring and is now serving as a vehicle for California Republicans who would like to see him removed from office. Eleni Kounalakis. Rachel LevineRachel L. Levine is an American pediatrician who has served as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health since 2017. "I will make you proud and California proud by getting it done in the U.S. Senate. We will get through this pandemic together and rebuild our economy in a way that doesn't leave working families behind," Padilla said in a statement. His parents worked hard to achieve their American dream in California — and he's dedicated his life to keeping that opportunity alive for future generations. The comments online show that parents are upset, with one parent saying, my kids deserve better than this violent and uncaring bunch of bullies. "He will be a Senator for all Californians.". "But we'll see." Padilla, who has served as secretary of state since 2015, was in charge of the unprecedented task of sending mail-in ballots to more than 22 million registered voters, leading to record turnout this year. "This is a real blow to the African American community, to African American women, to women in general, and I think it's really challenging to put it in words," she said. "Through his tenacity, integrity, smarts and grit, California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner who will be a fierce ally in D.C., lifting up our state's values and making sure we secure the critical resources to emerge stronger from this pandemic. Grace Segers is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C. Newsom, who had been under intense pressure within California to choose a Black woman to replace Harris because of the lack of diversity in the US Senate -- tweeted that Padilla's appointment would make history but added that Padilla "is far more interested in changing history -- especially for the working men and women of our state and country. Alex Padilla speaks during a press conference to discuss voting rights and voter registration at Gibson Brand Showroom on July 25, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. pic.twitter.com/xiAzpTS42Y. Gavin Newsom appointed California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' Senate seat on Tuesday, choosing the first Latino in … When Newsom ran his first campaign for governor in 2009, Padilla served as his campaign chairman until Newsom dropped out when former Gov. Read more Close video. The Latino Victory Fund launched a "Pick Padilla" campaign over the summer to urge Newsom to choose the secretary of state as Harris' replacement. In a recent interview, Padilla told CNN that the state's first Latino senator would be "a historic milestone," and said that California's "rich diversity" is surely "one of the many considerations the governor is pondering as he makes this decision.". Governor on relief bill: Why reward states for bad behavior? His father worked as a short-order cook and his mother worked as a housekeeper – both jobs that would be … / CBS News. 'A ransom demand': Avlon slams Trump's letter to RNC, Sen. Joe Manchin explains why he wanted changes to relief bill, Lawmaker fires back at Tucker Carlson's QAnon spin, MS gov. But the @AlexPadilla4CA I know is far more interested in changing history -- especially for the working men and women of our state and country. "Congratulations to my dear friend, @AlexPadilla4CA! "From those struggling to make ends meet to the small businesses fighting to keep their doors open to the health care workers looking for relief, please know that I am going to the Senate to fight for you. She said Newsom should take that step "to correct the terrible history of discrimination that Black women have suffered through the ages. See emotional moment Newsom surprises Padilla over Senate seat, 'Go to church': Clyburn reacts to Graham's reparations comment, Trump asks supporters to send money to his PAC instead of GOP, A look at the Covid-19 disinformation pushed by China and Russia, Trump requests mail-in ballot ahead of local election, Record number of children in border patrol custody at migrant facilities, GOP attacks 2 Biden nominees of color for top spots at DOJ, Cotton slams checks to prisoners, but supported them under Trump, Avlon: GOP deploys culture war distractions against Covid-19 relief, 'Could be a kamikaze mission': GOP lawmaker takes on Trump. Newsom also recently caught heat for attending a dinner at the French Laundry restaurant at a time when he and other state officials were urging Californians to limit gatherings with people from outside their households, particularly at restaurants. First published on December 22, 2020 / 1:47 PM. December 23, 2020 / 7:37 AM Jerry Brown entered the race. COVID-19 after one year: What will the future bring? My father never had a chance to finish elementary school. 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Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. ... even on moderate Democrats," Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said Sunday on CNN. © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dec. 22, 2:00 p.m. San Francisco Mayor London Breed does not approve of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla's appointment to the United States … (Newsom ultimately served as lieutenant governor to Brown). Sen. Alex Padilla on February 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. Both of Padilla’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico. San Francisco Mayor London Breed, the first Black woman to be elected mayor of that city, said the decision was "unfortunate," according to The Associated Press. "There's no on-the-job training here," Padilla said. "His appointment will make history. They met in Los Angeles, both recently arrived from Mexico. Padilla will serve through the duration of Harris' term, and will have to prepare for a highly competitive statewide race to fill the seat in 2022. He entered politics as an aide to Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, was elected to the Los Angeles City Council at the age of 26 and later became the council's youngest president in its history. Newsom chose his longtime political ally after what was described as difficult decision-making process as the governor weighed the competing pressures of the desire to see the first Latino from California in the US Senate and the paucity of Black representation in that chamber. Padilla has been secretary of state since 2015, the first Latino to hold that position. In his announcement, Newsom noted that Padilla, 47, had worked his way from "humble beginnings to the halls of MIT," where he got his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. ", "I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator,". His appointment will make history. By Maeve Reston, Alex Rogers and Daniella Diaz, CNN, Updated 5:31 PM ET, Tue December 22, 2020. And you will actually cement your own legacy as part of the civil rights movement by doing this. Featured Read Are Suicide Victims Without Hope of Heaven? But the @AlexPadilla4CA I know is far more interested in changing history -- especially for the working men and women of our state and country.I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator. Economic fallout from pandemic disproportionately hits Latinas, Dr. Fauci answers COVID vaccine questions in CBSN special, Senators want to keep Daylight Savings Time, Biden dogs temporarily moved from White House after incident, Democrats want to make monthly Child Tax Credit checks permanent, California Privacy/Information We Collect. There are more than 15.5 million Latinos in California, or 39.4% of the state's population, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington (CNN)Gov. Washington — California Governor Gavin Newsom will name Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the Senate, Newsom announced on Tuesday. CNN's Veronica Stracqualursi contributed to this report. Meet Alex; Interested Applicants Donate; Paid for by Alex Padilla for Senate. Padilla will serve out Harris' term, which ends in 2022, and can then run again for a full six-year term. encourages residents to wear masks despite dropping mandate, Trump plans to campaign against Sen. Murkowski in 2022, Bass also congratulated Padilla on Twitter, Gavin Newsom is about to determine the future of California Democratic politics for a generation, chosen by Biden to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, Biden receives first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, Biden poised to nominate Connecticut education chief Miguel Cardona as education secretary, Here's which Biden Cabinet and other top roles haven't been announced yet. “The son of Mexican immigrants — a cook and house cleaner — Alex Padilla worked his way from humble beginnings to the halls of MIT, the Los … A video of Padilla agreeing to take the position was attached to the tweet. Padilla, a warm and personable figure who has many allies in California Democratic political circles, had other prominent backers, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' BOLD PAC, The California Legislative Black Caucus and other groups had pushed for Bass and Lee to replace Harris. Padilla, the son of a cook and house cleaner who immigrated from Mexico, choked up when speaking to Newsom about his parents on the video as he accepted the position. Gov. Harris congratulated Padilla in a tweet on Tuesday. I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator," Newsom wrote on Twitter, tagging Padilla. "I'm honored, man, and I'm humbled, because of them," Padilla says. ", Newsom must also now appoint a replacement for California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who was. "Alex Padilla worked his way from humble beginnings to the halls of MIT, the Los Angeles City Council and the State Senate, and has become a national defender of voting rights as California's Secretary of State. My parents, Ernesto and Lupe Padilla, came to California in 1968 in search of a better life. His appointment will make history. Padilla is a longtime friend of Newsom. Gavin Newsom appointed California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' Senate seat on Tuesday, choosing the first Latino in state history for the role. Alex Padilla — California’s secretary of state, a Democrat from Pacoima, loyal Newsom ally and a Latino in a state that has never had a member of that largest ethnic group serve as senator — was a top pick among the predictions of insiders. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla talks during a news conference Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. California Gov. He moved on to the state Senate in 2006, representing the San Fernando Valley. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday formally submitted the appointment of Alex Padilla to the U.S. Senate to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Others who were in contention for the Senate appointment included California's Rep. Katie Porter, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Lt. Gov. Padilla told CNN that he was well prepared to serve in the Senate after dealing with the L.A. budget after 9/11, chairing a state Senate committee on energy and telecommunications, and securing the integrity of the ballot box in the middle of a pandemic. William Hemsworth on September 23, 2019 11:04 am All articles loaded No more articles to load Featured Reviews These Ridiculous Misconceptions About the Catholic Church Are Finally Explained Theresa Zoe Williams on September 19, 2019 11:29 am Featured Read 7 Things (Other Than Pumpkin Spice) Catholics … She is a Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine, and previously served as the Pennsylvania Physician General from 2015 to 2017. Now, he will serve in the halls of our nation's Capitol as California's next United States Senator, the first Latino to hold this office," Newsom said. Alex and I have long served the people of California together, and I know he will continue fighting for our state as California's first Latino senator," Harris said. There will be no Black women in the Senate after Harris' exit in January to join President-elect Joe Biden's administration. The governor announced his choice in late December and made the appointment official today. He will be a Senator for all Californians.". "Through his tenacity, integrity, smarts and grit, California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner who will be a fierce ally in D.C., lifting up our state's values and making sure we secure the critical resources to emerge stronger from this pandemic," Newsom said in a statement. I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator. The governor apologized to the state's voters, telling them he needed to "preach and practice, not just preach and not practice. We've got a lot of work to do, and I'm ready," Padilla said in the video chat with Newsom. In a statement announcing his selection, Newsom noted that Padilla is the son of immigrant parents who worked as a cook and a house cleaner. ", "Today, our state gains yet another champion following a distinguished line of individuals who have shattered glass ceilings and hurdled obstacles in their way," Bass said of the Padilla pick. It was love at first sight and they got married and applied for green cards in that order. Some activists and lawmakers had called for Newsom to select a Black woman to replace Harris, who was only the second Black woman elected to the Senate. Alex Padilla to fill Harris' Senate seat 08:18. pic.twitter.com/xiAzpTS42Y. In a statement announcing his selection, Newsom noted that Padilla is the son of immigrant parents who worked as a cook and a house cleaner. "A lot of people are excited about a potential first," he said. Padilla will be the first Latino senator to represent California, the nation's most populous state, which also has the largest Latino population in the country. Becerra was previously the Attorney General of California. Top contenders for Harris' seat included Rep. Karen Bass, who represents much of South Los Angeles, and Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland, but neither had as close a relationship to Newsom as Padilla. The Women's Foundation of California joined the campaign urging Newsom to appoint a Black woman, enlisting Latina labor icon Dolores Huerta, among others, to sign, "Women's voices are desperately needed, but Black women's voices are especially needed at this time in history," Huerta said in a video she recorded for the push. "After then-Senator Harris's historic election in 2016 as the first woman of color to represent California, we now have another historic barrier shattered as Alex will be the first Latino to serve California in the United States Senate.".