California Democrat Padilla says he won’t run for governor to replace Newsom

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) on Tuesday told reporters he would not run to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

“I am choosing to not run for governor of California next year,” Padilla said. 

“I choose not just to stay in the Senate, I choose to stay in this fight because the Constitution is worth fighting for. Our fundamental rights are worth fighting for,” he added. 

Seven Democratic candidates are running to replace Newsom, who is term limited. Among them are former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Rep. Katie Porter (Calif.), who is currently leading the crowded field of potential Democratic nominees.

Padilla’s current term ends in 2029. The Democratic senator from the Golden State drew attention earlier this year after being handcuffed at a June Department of Homeland Security press conference for attempting to conduct immigration oversight, a right that members of Congress possess.

Padilla sought to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, his former colleague in the Senate, after failing to reach her through other channels. After speaking out, a handful of law enforcement officers tackled Padilla to the ground and escorted him out. 

“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, I can only imagine what they’re doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country,” Padilla said following the incident. 

A month prior to Padilla being handcuffed, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) was arrested for attempting to conduct congressional oversight at a New Jersey immigration detention center.