Alex Padilla, born and raised in Pacoima, California, is the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. A graduate of MIT in Mechanical Engineering, Padilla's career was shaped by his early activism against anti-immigrant sentiment. He served as a Los Angeles City Council member and its President, before moving to the California State Senate, where he authored landmark legislation on renewable energy, nutrition, and education. As California Secretary of State, he expanded voting access and integrity. Appointed to the Senate in 2021, Padilla has been a champion for voting rights, climate action, and equitable economic relief. He serves on several key committees, including Judiciary and Homeland Security. Padilla is married to Angela and has three sons.
