Of all the races in the June 7 California primary, the battle for U.S. Senate is undoubtedly the trickiest. Not because there’s any question about who deserves the seat — it’s not even close — but because the ballot is utterly confusing.
We’ll forgo the suspense and announce that we endorse sending incumbent Alex Padilla back to Washington for a full term. He is an experienced legislator and a staunch supporter of voting and abortion rights who will fight to bring much needed federal funds for housing and climate friendly infrastructure back to California. While it will be an uphill battle to manifest his compassionate approach to immigration into meaningful legislation, California is home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s immigrants. They deserve a champion in office.
We’ll talk about Padilla’s opponents in a moment. But, first, we feel the need to explain why those who agree with our assessment of Padilla need to vote for him not once, but twice in this election.
When you look on your ballot, you’ll notice two races for U.S. Senate. And many of the same names appear in both races, including Padilla’s.
That’s intentional – and not in a conspiratorial “stop the steal” way. And, no, Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat isn’t up for grabs.
Here’s what’s happening:
In January 2021, Padilla, then California’s secretary of state, was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill Kamala Harris’ open Senate seat, which she vacated when she became vice president. Her six-year term that Padilla filled expires in January 2023. However, a law signed by Newsom in September, AB1495, says that those appointed to open Senate seats in California can’t just coast until the end of the term they inherited. They have to earn that seat by winning in a regularly scheduled election.
We’ll talk about Padilla’s opponents in a moment. But, first, we feel the need to explain why those who agree with our assessment of Padilla need to vote for him not once, but twice in this election.
When you look on your ballot, you’ll notice two races for U.S. Senate. And many of the same names appear in both races, including Padilla’s.
That’s intentional – and not in a conspiratorial “stop the steal” way. And, no, Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat isn’t up for grabs.
Here’s what’s happening:
In January 2021, Padilla, then California’s secretary of state, was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill Kamala Harris’ open Senate seat, which she vacated when she became vice president. Her six-year term that Padilla filled expires in January 2023. However, a law signed by Newsom in September, AB1495, says that those appointed to open Senate seats in California can’t just coast until the end of the term they inherited. They have to earn that seat by winning in a regularly scheduled election.
Read more at: https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Alex-Padilla-Endorsement-17198687.php