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Headshot of Steve Padilla

Steve Padilla

Democrat, State Senate
District 18, Chula Vista
Time in office:
  • Senate: 2022-present

News coverage of Steve Padilla

Bio

Steve Padilla, 59, is a former police detective and chair of the California Coastal Commission. He worked for 13 years in law enforcement first in Chula Vista and then in Coronado, where he was a detective. He served for several years on the Chula Vista City Council, and as its mayor, he came out as LGBTQ. In 2020, Padilla was the first elected official in California to test positive for COVID-19. He would spend weeks in the ICU and 11 days on a ventilator. He has one daughter.

Leader Badges

Assistant Majority Whip Rank Badge

Ideology

Left

Moderate

Right

Bill Activity

0

Of 40 bills:
8 Passed
8 Failed
24 Pending

For this session year, this legislator initiated 40 bills: 8 passed, 8 failed, and 24 are currently pending.

Alignment Meter

See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.

xx%votes: xx

Influence

There are three categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.

Giver
Value
Date
Description
Amplify Campaigns$203.55Aug 24, 2022concert at Pechanga Arena
San Diego Community Power$156Jun 8, 2022padres tickets
Ishrani Family$125Jun 3, 2022bottle of wine
Equality California Institute$90.44Aug 8, 2022food/beverage at summit
Karina's Ceviches & More LLC$66Oct 18, 2022food & drink
Equality California$60Jun 24, 2022succulent plant
San Diego Working Waterfront $55Sep 26, 2022dinner
Toni Atkins for Lt. Governor 2026$52.61Aug 18, 2022dinner

Gifts

Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.

Gift Received Rating
#75/120

This legislator is ranked 75th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.

Policy

Bills Authored by Steve Padilla

SB 1119
Companion chatbots: children’s safety.

Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

In Progress
Companion chatbots: children’s safety.Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
SB 867
Toys: companion chatbots.

Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

In Progress
Toys: companion chatbots.Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
SB 903
Mental health professionals: artificial intelligence.

Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development

In Progress
Mental health professionals: artificial intelligence.Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development
View All Bills

Committees

Most of the policy work in the state Capitol is done in “Standing” committees. Legislators also work on budget subcommittees. There are also “Special” and “Select” committees with a more narrow topic focus. And there are “Joint” committees with members from the Senate and Assembly.

Hearings

Featured Comments

Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.

Preview image for SB 581MIN
Aug 28, 2026

SB 58

Air quality: standard: hydrogen sulfide.

Preview image for SB 6753MIN
Aug 28, 2026

SB 675

Imperial County Air Pollution Control District: members and duties.

Preview image for SB 4202MIN
Aug 28, 2026

SB 420

Property tax: welfare exemption: detention facilities.

Preview image for SB 9961MIN
Aug 27, 2026

SB 996

Manufactured housing: conformity.

Preview image for SB 5342MIN
Aug 27, 2026

SB 534

Dependent children: information related to family.

Preview image for SB 67517MIN
Aug 27, 2026

SB 675

Imperial County Air Pollution Control District: members and duties.

Preview image for SB 42013MIN
Aug 27, 2026

SB 420

Property tax: welfare exemption: detention facilities.

Preview image for SB 59439SEC
Aug 27, 2026

SB 594

Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2026.

Preview image for SB 122335SEC
Aug 27, 2026

SB 1223

Fairs: contracting.

Preview image for SB 12471MIN
Aug 27, 2026

SB 1247

Social media platforms: child influencers.

Preview image for SB 5949MIN
Aug 26, 2026

SB 594

Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2026.

Preview image for SB 9412MIN
Aug 19, 2026

SB 941

Private detention facilities: canteens.

View All Hearings

District

View of map with yellow overlay for Senate District 18 boundaries.
District 18 is a Safe Democratic District
Democratic Party candidate has a very high likelihood of winning in an election

Previous Election (2022):

Alejandro Galicia
40.2%
Steve Padilla
59.8%
WON

Party Registration

Census Data

Median age0102030

Median age