VOTER GUIDE

US SENATOR

What is a United States Senator?

  • United States Senators are responsible for representing their constituents in the federal government

  • Senators author and vote on legislation, secure money for their districts in federal budgets, and advocate for their constituents’ interests. Their primary focus is on national issues like defense and the economy

  • There are two Senators per state with tenure-based ranking: senior Senator Dianne Feinsteinn, and junior Senator Alex Padilla. Together, they represent the entire state of California

  • Senators serve six-year terms and have unlimited term limits. Most serve well past retirement age

  • The salary and benefits of this full-time position total $174,000 per year

Why You Should Care

United States Senators represent citizens at the highest level of government. While they aren’t usually involved in local politics, they typically begin their careers at the local level. The Senate also votes to confirm Presidential Cabinet appointments and Supreme Court Judges.

Our Vision for the Office

Our United States Senator should be the best example of what a politician can be: a fierce advocate for the people, a keen alliance-maker, and a refined, accomplished individual that embodies Californian values. 

Alex Padilla

Why vote for him: Alex Padilla has a long and well-respected record of public service. Prior to his appointment to the Senate, Padilla served in various government positions for more than 25 years, including as the youngest councilmember on the Los Angeles City Council; a State Senator; and Secretary of State. His long-standing experience gives him an edge against his opponent, who has never held office before.

Padilla has been in office for just a year. He was appointed to the position by Governor Gavin Newsom as former Senator Kamala Harris ascended to the Vice Presidency. 

In his short time in office, Padilla has demonstrated that he is a leader in national policy. He has been a strong ally to President Biden, helping to deliver two key wins with the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He has been a leader in pursuing legislative protection of women’s health and reproductive freedom by introducing legislation making it illegal for states to prohibit women from traveling to receive abortions and co-sponsoring legislation to guarantee access to abortion services. We are proud that he represents our state.

Paid for by TogetherSF Action. Not authorized by any candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate. Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org.

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