Pelosi Statement on Appointment of CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla to United States Senate

San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve as California's next U.S. Senator:

"As a Californian, I applaud the appointment of Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve as the next United States Senator from California. His historic appointment as the first Latino Senator from California is a victory for working families across our great state and our entire nation. As a former local official, member of the legislature and statewide officeholder in California, Senator-designate Padilla brings great knowledge of California that will serve him well in the Senate.

"The son of immigrants from a working class family, Secretary of State Padilla's story is the story of the American Dream. He believes profoundly in the promise of America and as a Councilman, State Senator and Secretary of State, has worked relentlessly and effectively to make real our nation's Founding promise: that all are created equal. As a U.S. Senator, he will now have a platform to further this mission for families across our state and our nation.

"Secretary of State Padilla is a champion of our American Democracy. As Secretary of State, his tenure has been distinguished by his outstanding work to protect voting rights, secure our elections from foreign attack and expand access to the ballot for millions. His leadership to combat the climate crisis, end gun violence and expand access to health care, education and jobs will similarly be critical to Congressional Democrats' work with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that every American has the opportunity to succeed in the 21st Century economy.

"I congratulate Senator-designate Padilla and look forward to working with him in the U.S. Capitol."