Alex Padilla is a lifelong Californian. He was born and raised in the proud, working class community of Pacoima, in the San Fernando Valley. Alex’s parents immigrated to Los Angeles from different parts of Mexico in the 1960s. Once in California, they met, fell in love, and applied for green cards.
Alex’s parents had little formal education, but they shared a strong work ethic and big dreams. For forty years, Alex’s father worked as a short order cook in various Los Angeles diners. For the same forty years, his mom worked cleaning houses. They instilled in Alex, his sister, and his brother the importance of getting a good education as well as the value of service to others. As a result, Alex spent many weekends at community clean-ups and other neighborhood service projects.
Alex believes that our democracy is strongest when every citizen votes. That’s why he’s spent his career fighting to expand and protect voting rights for all eligible citizens. As California’s Secretary of State, Alex implemented automatic and same-day voter registration, expanded vote-by-mail, and launched early vote centers. These key reforms led to record voter registration and participation in California and have become a model for the rest of the nation. In the U.S. Senate, Alex is a champion for stronger voting rights and increased funding to modernize and secure our elections. He wants to preserve and protect the free and fair elections that are the foundation of American democracy.
Alex is determined to fight the existential threat of the climate crisis. Having grown up in a low-income, heavily polluted neighborhood, Alex is dedicated to making sure that every family enjoys clean air and clean water. He served for six years as Chair of the California State Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications, where he led the development of California’s ambitious renewable energy and climate policies. Alex’s environmental leadership has continued in the U.S. Senate: in addition to cosponsoring the Green New Deal, Alex has introduced sweeping legislation to electrify our nation’s school buses and protect over one million acres of public lands in California, increasing access to nature and preserving California’s natural treasures for generations to come.
Alex knows that an investment in a child’s education is an investment in the future of America. He grew up attending Los Angeles public schools, where his teachers encouraged him to dream big. Alex wants all children in California to have access to quality public education so they can pursue their own American dreams. He is proud to advocate for funding to support teachers, school infrastructure, and student wellbeing. As a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Alex is also a strong supporter of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) educational opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
A proud son of immigrants from Mexico, Alex believes that our country is a nation of immigrants and has prioritized immigration reform since the day he was sworn in to the U.S. Senate. Alex knows firsthand the enormous contributions that immigrants make to our communities and economy. As the first ever Latino to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, he is leading the fight for immigration reform. The very first bill Alex introduced as a U.S. Senator would create a pathway to citizenship for the immigrant essential workers who have bravely worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alex is committed to supporting all those who have fought for our nation’s freedom. From improving immigration services for military families to addressing veteran homelessness and cleaning up harmful PFAS chemicals on military bases, Alex works to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families receive the support they deserve. He is committed to guaranteeing that our veterans receive the full benefits and care that they have earned.
Alex believes that housing is a human right and recognizes the affordable housing and homelessness crisis facing California. He has championed legislation to create affordable housing and support people experiencing homelessness. Alex is committed to building strong, supportive communities for all Americans, especially those who have historically faced discrimination in the housing market.
Alex is fighting to make the American dream a reality for all communities. He is committed to supporting a full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and proudly cast one of his first votes for the American Rescue Plan Act. Alex believes that a twenty-first century economy must meet the needs of working families, including by raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, making permanent the recent historic increases in the Child Tax Credit, and ensuring that we develop our workforce to boldly address the climate crisis.
Alex is working to guarantee quality, affordable, and equitable health care for every American. No family should face bankruptcy because of an illness or have to choose between making rent and paying for medication. In his work in the Senate, Alex prioritizes addressing the systemic disparities that affect health care access and quality. He is proud to support Medicare for All and is a champion for increased access to mental health care. As our nation works to end the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex has gathered important resources for Californians here.
Alex believes that confronting global challenges requires multilateral diplomacy and strong partnerships. He is committed to supporting programs that fight climate change, promote democracy and human rights, and reestablish U.S. moral leadership on the world stage. Alex understands the importance of strengthening our democratic institutions at home in order to lead by example. In a time of global instability, he believes America’s leadership is vital in pursuit of a safer and more prosperous world for all.