Alex Padilla chosen to replace Kamala Harris as California Senator

Alex Padilla, son of Mexican immigrants, is set to become
the first Latino senator from California in the state’s 170-year history, replacing Kamala Harris when she
leaves for White House next year to take the post of vice president, AFP reported
on Tuesday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom named Padilla to represent
the state which is 40% Hispanic.

In a statement, Padilla pledged to “work each and every
day to honor that trust and deliver for all Californians.”

“We will get through this pandemic together and rebuild
our economy in a way that doesn’t leave working families behind,” he
added.

The appointment put an end to speculations about who will
replace Harris from the state.

Padilla, 47, is a longstanding ally of Gavin Newsom and is
responsible for overseeing massive mail-in ballot exercise in the state during
the presidential election last month.

Padilla, son of a cook and a house cleaner and who grew up
in violence-afflicted environment, is known to be someone who has risen through
the ranks.

He briefly worked as an engineer writing software for
satellites, before entering politics at a time of intense anti-immigrant
rhetoric in California, AFP reported.

“Alex Padilla worked his way from humble
beginnings,” Newsom said in a statement describing Padilla as “a
warrior for voting rights and the American Dream.”

“Through his tenacity, integrity, smarts and grit,
California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner who will be a fierce
ally in (Washington) DC, lifting up our state’s values and making sure we
secure the critical resources to emerge stronger from this pandemic,” he
added.