Multiple California Democrats criticized Vice President Vance after he mistakenly referred to Senator Alex Padilla as “Jose” during a press event in Los Angeles last Friday.
“I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask questions,” Vance remarked, alluding to Padilla’s absence from a Department of Homeland Security briefing.
“I think he opted not to show up because there was no dramatic flair,” he added.
Democratic leaders expressed discontent over Vance’s mix-up regarding the state’s first Latino senator.
California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted that calling him “Jose Padilla” wasn’t a mere coincidence, sharing his thoughts on social media.
Newsom also encouraged Vance to address anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement directly during public discussions, signaling the importance of appropriate dialogue on the issue.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed the governor’s concerns, suggesting that Vance’s comments may hint at racial insensitivity.
“To you, he might just look like anyone, but he’s not—he’s our senator,” Bass stated at the press event.
“Vice President, do you really intend to disrespect Senator Alex Padilla? You need to recognize him,” she wrote in a post emphasizing Vance’s role as President of the Senate.
However, a spokesperson for Vance characterized the error as an innocent mistake.
“He must have confused the two people who broke the law,” said Taylor van Kirk, Vance’s spokesperson.
Yet, Padilla’s colleagues remained skeptical. Senator Adam Schiff asserted that Vance knows Padilla well and was instead attempting to deflect attention from the underlying chaos created by the administration.
The Vice President’s trip to Los Angeles followed a federal ruling allowing President Trump to retain authority over the California State Guard amid ongoing protests.
Both Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom have called for the removal of federal troops from the city, arguing that local areas are secure without their presence.
Democrats continue to raise concerns about conditions in detention facilities and the application of excessive force against Congress members who seek to oversee immigration enforcement activities.
