Alex Padilla: podcast appearances and interviews

Alejandro Padilla is an American politician and engineer serving as the senior United States senator from California. He has held this position since 2023, following the death of Dianne Feinstein. Padilla was appointed to the Senate by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021 after Kamala Harris was elected vice president of the United States; he was sworn in on January 18, 2021. Subsequently, Padilla won a special election in 2022 to complete Harris's term and to serve a full Senate term. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Padilla served as the 29th secretary of state of California from 2015 to 2021. His political career also includes membership in the California State Senate and the Los Angeles City Council. As a member of the Democratic Party, Padilla has been actively involved in public service at both state and federal levels, bringing a background that includes engineering and political experience. His role as senator involves representing California at the national level, contributing to legislative processes and policy development.