Alex Padilla is a lifelong Californian. He was born and raised in the proud, working class community of Pacoima, in the San Fernando Valley. Alex’s parents immigrated to Los Angeles from different parts of Mexico in the 1960s. Once in California, they met, fell in love, and applied for green cards.
Alex’s parents had little formal education, but they shared a strong work ethic and big dreams. For forty years, Alex’s father worked as a short order cook in various Los Angeles diners. For the same forty years, his mom worked cleaning houses. They instilled in Alex, his sister, and his brother the importance of getting a good education as well as the value of service to others. As a result, Alex spent many weekends at community clean-ups and other neighborhood service projects.
Alex believes that confronting global challenges requires multilateral diplomacy and strong partnerships. He is committed to supporting programs that fight climate change, promote democracy and human rights, and reestablish U.S. moral leadership on the world stage. Alex understands the importance of strengthening our democratic institutions at home in order to lead by example. In a time of global instability, he believes America’s leadership is vital in pursuit of a safer and more prosperous world for all.