Alex Padilla

Alejandro "Alex" Padilla (born March 22, 1973) is an American politician serving as the senior United States senator from California since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Padilla was the 30th secretary of state of California from 2015 to 2021. He was also a member of the California State Senate and the Los Angeles City Council.

Alex Padilla
Official portrait, 2021
United States Senator from California
Incumbent
Assumed office January 18, 2021 Serving with Laphonza Butler
Preceded by	Kamala Harris
30th Secretary of State of California
In office January 5, 2015 – January 18, 2021
Governor	Jerry Brown Gavin Newsom
Preceded by	Debra Bowen
Succeeded by	Shirley Weber
Member of the California State Senate from the 20th district
In office December 4, 2006 – November 30, 2014
Preceded by	Richard Alarcon
Succeeded by	Connie Leyva
President of the Los Angeles City Council
In office July 4, 2001 – January 1, 2006
Preceded by	Ruth Galanter
Succeeded by	Eric Garcetti
Member of the Los Angeles City Council from the 7th district
In office July 1, 1999 – December 4, 2006
Preceded by	Richard Alarcon
Succeeded by	Richard Alarcon
Personal details
Born	(1973-03-22) March 22, 1973 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Angela Monzon ​ (m. 2012)​
Children	3
Education	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS)
Signature
Website	Senate website Campaign website

In November 2023, Padilla introduced a legislation in the Senate for the future of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Status Act would create a referendum to decide the political status of Puerto Rico. The legislation deals with the status for Puerto Rico as a state as well as its independence and sovereignty in the United States.