Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Newsom Pressured for Hispanic Senate Replacement if Harris Becomes VP
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 5 years ago on
August 20, 2020

Share

LOS ANGELES — A Latino group openly pressured Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday to select a Hispanic replacement if U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris’ seat becomes vacant, saying it was time for a historic pick that would reflect the growing influence of Latinos in the nation’s most populous state.

Newsom said last week that would-be contenders are already needling him about what could be a once-in-a-lifetime appointment. In strongly Democratic California, the appointee could hold the seat for a generation. Sen. Dianne Feinstein — at 87 the oldest member of the Senate — has been in office since 1992.

The letter to Newsom from the Latino Community Foundation marks a new public phase to the emerging competition for the seat, which would open up if Joe Biden and Harris, his pick for vice president, win in November. Should a vacancy occur, Newsom has the authority to name a successor for a term that runs through January 2023 and could even pick himself.

California has never elected a Latino US senator, though Hispanics make up nearly 40% of the population, outnumbering all other groups.

“Our voice remains missing from the highest levels of our government,” the foundation wrote in the letter, released Thursday but dated Wednesday and signed by hundreds of supporters. “It is up to states like California to do their part to ensure that we are building more diverse and inclusive institutions reflective of our society.”

Newsom said last week that would-be contenders are already needling him about what could be a once-in-a-lifetime appointment. In strongly Democratic California, the appointee could hold the seat for a generation. Sen. Dianne Feinstein — at 87 the oldest member of the Senate — has been in office since 1992.

Potential Opening has Set Off a Guessing Game

The choice, should it come, would be politically tricky for the Democratic governor, with considerations that could range from gender, geography and demographics to personal relationships.

There would be pressure to select a woman, especially a Black woman, to replace Harris, who is the first Black woman to run on a major party’s presidential ticket. She’s one of just two Black women who have ever served in the Senate and the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India.

A long list of possible contenders includes Rep. Karen Bass, who was on Biden’s vice presidential shortlist and heads the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County and Newsom’s longtime friend, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who is Hispanic and has proven his electability statewide.

The potential opening has set off a guessing game about who might end up with politically powerful post. To avoid the political risks that come with the appointment, Newsom could also choose a caretaker to hold the seat until the 2022 election. Under that scenario, the appointee would step aside after a new senator is elected.

Under another possible scenario, Newsom could even pick himself, which would open his job for Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, elevating her to become California’s first female governor.

DON'T MISS

President Trump’s Tariffs Could Be the Political Tipping Point

DON'T MISS

Order That Kept Water in the Kern River Reversed by 5th District Court of Appeal

DON'T MISS

As Dem Candidates for Governor Increase, They Wait for Harris to Decide

DON'T MISS

No More Calling ‘Shotgun?’ CA Could Ban Teens From Riding in Front Seat

DON'T MISS

Protests Planned All Over the World Aimed at Donald Trump and Elon Musk

DON'T MISS

Average US Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage Dips to 6.64% for the Second Drop in 2 Weeks

DON'T MISS

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Christopher Robert Sharkey

DON'T MISS

Fresno Man Arrested in Armed Robbery After Search Warrant Executed

DON'T MISS

Diehard Baseball Fans in Sacramento Welcome Athletics and Hope They Stay Awhile

DON'T MISS

Carbon Monoxide Was Cause of Death of Brett Gardner’s Teen Son, Officials Confirm

UP NEXT

Diehard Baseball Fans in Sacramento Welcome Athletics and Hope They Stay Awhile

UP NEXT

Flores Homers, Matos and Wade Also Go Deep to Help Giants Cap Sweep of Astros

UP NEXT

California’s Schools Chief Has a $200,000 Salary and a Side Gig

UP NEXT

Trump Proposes Tax Deduction for Auto Loan Interest on US-Made Cars

UP NEXT

Western US Sees Sharp Increase in Extreme Weather Impact

UP NEXT

7-Year-Old Girl Was Killed by a Falling Boulder at a Lake Tahoe Ski Resort

UP NEXT

Xavier Becerra Enters 2026 California Governor’s Race

UP NEXT

Inside a $17 Billion Maintenance Backlog Plaguing California’s Universities

UP NEXT

California Lawmakers Reject Bills to Restrict Transgender Youth in School Sports

UP NEXT

Elon Musk Reclaims Top Spot on Forbes’ Billionaires List

No More Calling ‘Shotgun?’ CA Could Ban Teens From Riding in Front Seat

34 minutes ago

Protests Planned All Over the World Aimed at Donald Trump and Elon Musk

44 minutes ago

Average US Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage Dips to 6.64% for the Second Drop in 2 Weeks

55 minutes ago

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Christopher Robert Sharkey

1 hour ago

Fresno Man Arrested in Armed Robbery After Search Warrant Executed

1 hour ago

Diehard Baseball Fans in Sacramento Welcome Athletics and Hope They Stay Awhile

2 hours ago

Carbon Monoxide Was Cause of Death of Brett Gardner’s Teen Son, Officials Confirm

2 hours ago

Bettors Back Duke Men and UConn Women for National Championships

2 hours ago

Flores Homers, Matos and Wade Also Go Deep to Help Giants Cap Sweep of Astros

3 hours ago

Fresno County Authorities Need Help Finding Family of Alejandro Solis

3 hours ago

President Trump’s Tariffs Could Be the Political Tipping Point

President Donald Trump called it “Liberation Day” on Wednesday as he unveiled reciprocal tariffs, but experts warn the move coul...

15 minutes ago

President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP/Evan Vucci)
15 minutes ago

President Trump’s Tariffs Could Be the Political Tipping Point

22 minutes ago

Order That Kept Water in the Kern River Reversed by 5th District Court of Appeal

30 minutes ago

As Dem Candidates for Governor Increase, They Wait for Harris to Decide

34 minutes ago

No More Calling ‘Shotgun?’ CA Could Ban Teens From Riding in Front Seat

On April 5th, the "Hands Off!" group will hold an international protest, including a Fresno demonstration at Fashion Fair Mall, urging Donald Trump and Elon Musk to stop their influence over vital social programs and rights. (Hands Off!)
44 minutes ago

Protests Planned All Over the World Aimed at Donald Trump and Elon Musk

A for sale sign stands outside a home on the market in the Alamo Placita neighborhood Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in central Denver. (AP File)
55 minutes ago

Average US Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage Dips to 6.64% for the Second Drop in 2 Weeks

Christopher Robert Sharkey is Valley Crime Stoppers' Most Wanted Person of the Day for April 3, 2025. (Valley Crimes Stoppers)
1 hour ago

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Christopher Robert Sharkey

Johnny Hernandez, 38, was arrested in connection with an armed robbery at Adina Valley Market on April 1 and faces multiple felony charges, including robbery and assault with a firearm. (Fresno County SO)
1 hour ago

Fresno Man Arrested in Armed Robbery After Search Warrant Executed

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend