There was no shortage of emotions when Alex Padilla, secretary of state of California, was asked to fill vice president-elect Kamala Harris’ seat in the Senate.
“I’m honored, man, and I’m humbled,” Padilla said while holding back tears.
Padilla accepted the offer by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to represent California in the U.S. Senate.
A video of their conversation was posted to Twitter, where Newsom wrote, “His appointment will make history,” adding that Padilla “is far more interested in changing history — especially for the working men and women of our state and country.”
In the video call on Monday evening, after Padilla mentioned his mom died two years ago, Newsom is heard saying, “Can you image what mom would be thinking now as I ask you if you want to be the next U.S. senator… of the great state of California?”
Padilla responded, “You serious?” then took a moment as he became emotional.
“[I] can’t tell you how many pancakes my dad flipped or eggs he scrambled trying to provide for us,” Padilla said, adding, “Or the many, many years of my mom cleaning houses.”
Padilla confirmed he would accept the role, “Absolutely.”
Watch the video below:
His appointment will make history. But the @AlexPadilla4CA I know is far more interested in changing history — especially for the working men and women of our state and country.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 22, 2020
I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator. pic.twitter.com/xiAzpTS42Y
“I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator,” Newsom tweeted.
Padilla’s appointment comes as Harris is now the vice president-elect. Padilla will become the first Latino in U.S. history to hold the seat in California.
