Sen. Alex Padilla Decides Against Running for California Governor

Sen. Alex Padilla on Tuesday announced he won’t run for governor of California, ending months of speculation over a possible gubernatorial run.

At a press conference on Capitol Hill as voters in his home state cast ballots over whether to approve new congressional district lines, Padilla highlighted the role that California has played in resisting President Donald Trump’s policies. He said that he has “tried to do my part to fight back against these attacks, both here in Washington and back home in California.”

“These are not normal times,” Padilla said. “We deserve better than this.”

“It is with a full heart, and more commitment than ever, that I am choosing to not run for governor of California next year,” Padilla said while standing next to his wife outside of the Senate chamber. “I choose not just to stay in the Senate, I chose to stay in this fight because the Constitution is worth fighting for, our fundamental rights are worth fighting for, our core values are worth fighting for, the American dream is worth fighting for.”

Following his announcement, Padilla said that it was a difficult choice and added he’s been focused on the ballot initiative aimed at redistricting.

“There was a lot to consider,” Padilla told NOTUS of his decision. “The last few days have been really focused on campaigning for Proposition 50.”

Padilla had long refused to rule out a gubernatorial run, and had previously said he would announce his decision following a vote on Proposition 50.

In his speech, Padilla emphasized California’s position as being “on the front lines of Donald Trump’s cruel policies, beginning with his dangerous deportation agenda.”

“We know that so many Latino families and immigrant communities have been terrorized by this administration,” Padilla said.

“I love California’s drive and, this year especially, I’ve appreciated Californians’ resilience.”

Padilla received national attention in June when he was shoved to the ground and handcuffed while trying to ask a question at Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles. The press conference took place after Trump sent National Guard troops and U.S. marines to Los Angeles, in response to protests over the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

On Thursday, Padilla directly referenced the moment he was forcibly removed from the event.

“As alarming as that experience was not just for me and our family, but for most people who have seen the video, countless people have told me, I’m glad you’re fighting for us. I’m glad you’re there,” Padilla said.

Padilla’s decision leaves the highly-anticipated California gubernatorial race wide open. Former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and former state legislator Ian Calderon have all declared campaigns for the seat, but no clear frontrunner has emerged.