"We're both children of immigrant parents who had to really work hard not just to succeed academically and professionally," said Padilla. "We know how much our parents struggled to create opportunities for us."
"Senator Padilla could succeed Chris Coons as the Senate's president whisperer," said John Pitney, professor of American government. "The perception that he has the president's ear could give him additional clout with his colleagues."
Padilla is considered one of the closest California allies Harris has. When he calls her, she routinely answers, 'Hello, friend.' His son Diego still has the stuffed giraffe she sent when he was born.
Padilla was drawn to politics in response to California's anti-immigrant Proposition 187. He and Harris share somewhat common backgrounds, and their views on key issues are aligned.
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