California's Secretary of State is being chosen to serve in the U.S. Senate. Governor Gavin Newsom made the official ask over a video call with Alex Padilla.
Newsom selected Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Padilla will be the first Latino senator from California. Padilla has been Secretary of State since 2015. Newsom praised Padilla in a statement as he said "California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner."