We Californians saw this coming, despite the internecine battles among the Latino Women’s Caucus of the California Legislature.

“California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will appoint Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D) to fill a U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (D), a source close to Newsom confirmed to The Hill on Tuesday.”

The Latino Caucus did win on the diversity card in terms of race, which is on point for progressive California:

“Padilla, 47, will be the first Latino to represent California in the Senate. He had been seen as the front-runner for the post, both given his statewide profile and his close relationship with Newsom.”

His appointment will make history. But the @AlexPadilla4CA I know is far more interested in changing history — especially for the working men and women of our state and country.

I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator. pic.twitter.com/xiAzpTS42Y

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 22, 2020

Alex Padilla is not without his baggage. Without the approval of the State Controller, he authorized a $35 million dollar deal with SKDKnickerbocker, a get-out-the-vote organization with close ties to the then Biden-Harris campaign. The Controller Betty Yee has been refusing to pay the organization.

Padilla and the State have also been sued by Judicial Watch for its failure to clean up the voter rolls in California.

So in terms of corruption, Padilla has already carved out his place in the D.C. swamp.

More to come…