The proud son of immigrants from Mexico, Alex Padilla became involved in politics shortly after graduating from MIT. He joined protests against California’s Proposition 187, which sought to deny public benefits to immigrants. He was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1999 at the age of 26, and served as the youngest-ever City Council President. He was elected to California’s State Senate in 2006 and served two terms then became the first Latino in California history to be elected Secretary of State in 2014. He was appointed in 2020 to the U.S. Senate by Governor Newsom, to fill now-Vice President Kamala Harris’ seat.

He is running to defend the California Dream, so that we can ensure equality and opportunity for all Californians. That starts with improving access to quality and affordable healthcare, protecting our environment, pushing for greater access to the ballot box, passing immigration reform, and championing the diversity that makes our country special.