This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
California’s First Latino Senator, Alex Padilla, Takes The Oath Of Office
Vice President Kamala Harris administers the oath of office to (left-to-right) Senators Raphael Warnock, Alex Padilla and Jon Ossoff on Jan. 20, 2020. (Screenshot via CSPAN 2 livestream
Alex Padilla has taken the oath of office and now officially begins his duty representing California as its first Latino U.S. Senator.
I’m so honored and ready to represent Californians in DC! Follow my Senate account at @SenAlexPadilla and use it as one of the many ways to reach me. pic.twitter.com/YoDkHPYfZC
— Alex Padilla (@AlexPadilla4CA) January 20, 2021
He was joined by new senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, who both won runoff elections in Georgia this month against Republican incumbents.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who resigned from the Senate this week ahead of the inauguration, administered the oath. She joked as she began the proceedings that it felt "pretty weird" to be swearing in her successor, Padilla.
Padilla is a former Los Angeles City Council President and state legislator, and most recently served as Califoria's Secretary of State. He is serving out the remainder of Harris' term, which extends through 2022.
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Padilla to the seat, despite pressure to appoint a Black woman to replace Harris.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
