California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the seat left open when Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) is sworn in as vice president. Padilla, since his time in the California State Senate, is a strong credit union supporter.

“Congratulations to Alex Padilla on being named to the U.S. Senate, we’re glad to see a strong credit union champion fill the seat of Vice President-Elect Harris,” said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “Credit unions stand ready to help get the American economy back on its feet, which includes engaging with new members of Congress on the how credit unions support communities’ financial well-being.”

Padilla was elected to the State Senate in 2006 and was a champion of the credit union tax status, and has worked with the California Credit Union League on data security and other issues. He has served as the state’s Secretary of State since 2015.

“The California Credit Union League congratulates Mr. Padilla. We look forward to continuing our work together as he joins the U.S. Senate,” said Jeremy Empol, vice president of federal government affairs for the California Credit Union League.