Senator Steve Padilla

Senator Steve Padilla was elected in 2022 representing the counties of San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino. Steve is a native of San Diego county and lifelong Chula Vista resident, he is a graduate of Bonita Vista High School, a former police officer and police Detective.

Steve’s interest in public affairs began early in life as did his service to Chula Vista, where he served as a member of the Board of Ethics and Safety Commission. He was elected for the first time to the City Council in 1994 and served two terms. In 2002, Steve was elected the City’s 38th Mayor and served from 2002 – 2006.

Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Steve worked with a variety of private entities, non-profits and public interest groups where he advocated on issues ranging from economic development, transportation, housing, and social and environmental justice. In 2008 he was invited to be a member of the Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy for the Council on Foreign Relations.

Senator Padilla is noted for being the first person of color ever elected to City office in Chula Vista history, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. He holds undergraduate degrees in Liberal Arts and Public Administration from Southwestern College and National University, and studied law at Western State University, College of Law. He has been a published columnist writing on local, state, and national policy issues. He resides in Otay Ranch.