Padilla’s appointment would be a historic milestone. He would be the first Latino in California’s history to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
The initiative is launched with a five-figure digital buy that will run in key California media markets.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Latino Victory Fund announced the launch of “Pick Padilla,” an initiative to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint Secretary Alex Padilla to the U.S. Senate if Senator Kamala Harris’ seat becomes vacant. The campaign is launched with an initial five-figure digital ad buy that calls on Californians to support Padilla’s appointment and will run in key markets through Election Day.
The ‘Pick Padilla‘ initiative aims to galvanize support for Secretary Padilla, touting his experience and qualifications as an elected official and his compelling life story as the son of Mexican immigrants. If appointed, Padilla will be the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate, a historic milestone for the state with the largest Latino population.
“Secretary Padilla is a champion for California’s working families. From serving in the Los Angeles City Council to leading the Secretary of State’s office, Secretary Padilla has dedicated his career to public service and has proven to be an effective leader,” said Nathalie Rayes, Latino Victory Fund president & CEO. “The barrier that stands in front of Latino U.S. Senators in California has stood high for far too long. Latino Victory Fund urges Governor Newsom to appoint Secretary Padilla to the U.S. Senate seat if Senator Harris vacates it in November.”
Secretary Padilla has already broken barriers: At 26, he was the youngest person and the first Latino elected president of the Los Angeles City Council and the first Latino California Secretary of State.
‘Pick Padilla’ is a long-term effort that will begin on Aug. 20 and run until the November election. The initiative’s first phase includes a digital ad campaign that will start with a five-figure media buy that will transition into a six-figure media buy near the November election.
Meet Secretary Alex Padilla:
- The son of Mexican immigrants, Padilla was raised in the working-class community of Pacoima, California. His father worked as a short-order cook, and his mother cleaned houses.
- Padilla earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- In 2006, Padilla was elected to the California State Senate, during which he focused his legislative work on health initiatives, education, climate change, and infrastructure.
- In 2015, Padilla was sworn in as the first Latino California Secretary of State. Throughout his tenure, he has worked to strengthen voter rights by increasing voter registration and participation.
- Secretary Padilla is also the chairman of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. He has led the organization in the fight against the Trump administration’s voter suppression that affects the Latino and Black communities. He’s also leading the DASS to flip State Secretaries of State to a Democratic majority in 2020.
