Alex Padilla
American politician
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| June 12 2025 | Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference at the Wilshire Federal Building by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's security team after attempting to ask a question about ICE detentions. He was briefly detained, handcuffed, and held face-down on the floor before being released after intervention by Corey Lewandowski. |
| April 2025 | Introduced the Fix Our Forests Act alongside Senators John Hickenlooper, John Curtis, and Tim Sheehy, aiming to improve forest management for wildfire risk reduction. |
| April 2024 | Voted in favor of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for five years, supporting changes to surveillance restrictions under Section 702. |
| November 2023 | Introduced Senate legislation to authorize a binding federally sponsored referendum on Puerto Rico's political status, proposing options of statehood, independence, or sovereignty in free association with the U.S. |
| October 2023 | Padilla transitioned from the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and joined the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. |
| September 29 2023 | Padilla becomes California's senior senator following the death of Dianne Feinstein. |
| November 2022 | Padilla wins both the special election to complete Kamala Harris's Senate term and a full Senate term, defeating Republican nominee Mark Meuser. |
| June 2022 | Condemned the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, reaffirming his strong support for abortion rights. |
| 2021 | Received a 100% score from the League of Conservation Voters. |
| October 2021 | During budgetary discussions, Padilla advocated for climate action, stating that 'Climate cannot be on the chopping block in this or any budget'. |
| January 20 2021 | Padilla is sworn in as United States Senator by Vice President Kamala Harris, following his appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom. |
| January 18 2021 | Padilla publicly released a statement supporting progressive policies, including the Green New Deal and Medicare For All legislation, signaling a shift towards more progressive political positions. |
| January 15 2021 | Alex Padilla publicly supported Representative Joaquin Castro's legislation to expedite citizenship for undocumented immigrants in essential jobs, emphasizing their contributions and need for stability. |
| 2020 | Padilla announced a $35 million no-bid contract for the 'Vote Safe California' voter education ad campaign, which was later challenged due to funding issues and political connections. |
| December 2020 | Governor Newsom announced the appointment of Alex Padilla to Kamala Harris's vacated U.S. Senate seat, making him California's first Hispanic senator and first male U.S. senator from California since Alan Cranston. |
| October 16 2020 | Padilla issued a cease-and-desist order against the California Republican Party over unofficial ballot boxes, arguing they were illegal and compromised ballot security. |
| August 2020 | Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his presidential running mate, which initiated speculation about her Senate seat replacement. |
| 2018 | Publicly stated that abortion rights are 'not negotiable' and received support from NARAL Pro-Choice America after winning the primary for secretary of state. |
| November 6 2018 | Padilla was reelected as California Secretary of State, defeating Republican Mark P. Meuser with 64.5% of the vote. |
| June 29 2017 | Padilla refused to supply voter data to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which had requested information dating back to 2006. |
| January 5 2015 | Padilla was officially sworn in as California Secretary of State during Jerry Brown's fourth term. |
| November 4 2014 | Padilla won the California Secretary of State election, defeating Republican Pete Peterson with 53.6% of the vote. |
| April 11 2013 | Alex Padilla announced his intention to run for California Secretary of State in the 2014 election, seeking to succeed term-limited incumbent Debra Bowen. |
| 2012 | Received a 0% rating from the American Conservative Union, indicating a strong divergence from conservative political stances. |
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