Michael Padilla
| Michael Padilla | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Mexico Senate from the 14th[1] district | |
|
Assumed office January 15, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Eric Griego |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
June 13, 1972 Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Alma mater |
University of New Mexico University of Phoenix |
| Website |
votepadilla |
Michael Padilla[2] (born June 13, 1972 in Albuquerque, New Mexico) is an American politician and a Democratic member of the New Mexico Senate representing District 14 since January 15, 2013. Padilla is the Senate Majority Whip, having been elected by his colleagues in his 2nd year in the New Mexico State Senate.
During the 30-day 2016 session, Padilla was a member of the Corporations & Transportation Committee, the Education Committee, and the Committees' Committee.
Controversy
In 2010, a group of 911 center employees sued the city of Albuquerque in federal court alleging that Padilla, who at the time was tasked with improving the center's operations, sexually harassed employees and created a hostile work environment.[3]
Padilla allegedly told women in his office that "it may be 2007 out there, but in my house it is the 1950s and women stay home, make tortillas and have babies." After they complained, the women said they were retaliated against and demoted. The plaintiffs also argued the city was negligent by not uncovering other sexual harassment allegations against Padilla at former workplaces.[4]
According to The Albuquerque Journal, two women settled for $149,000. A third won a federal civil rights lawsuit that cost the city $102,200 for legal fees and counseling for the woman. Padilla maintained that he was innocent and said he had been "railroaded" by the employees.[5]
Sexual harassment claims against Padilla became an issue in the 2012 Democratic Primary when one of his opponents sent a mailer to voters that reminded voters of Padilla's "sordid history."[5]
Education
Padilla attended the University of New Mexico and the University of Phoenix.
Elections
- 2016 Padilla has no opposition in the 2016 election.
- 2012 Redistricted to District 14, and with incumbent Senator Eric Griego leaving the Legislature and leaving the seat open, Padilla ran in the three-way June 5, 2012 Democratic Primary, winning with 1,065 votes (40.4%) ahead of Representative Eleanor Chavez and former Senator James Taylor;[6] Padilla won the November 6, 2012 General election with 8,258 votes (70.7%) against Independent nominee Robert Schiller.[7]
References
- ↑ "Senator Michael Padilla (D)". Santa Fe, New Mexico: New Mexico Legislature. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ↑ "Michael Padilla's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ↑ "Trial Opens in Sexual Harassment Suit". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
- ↑ "FindACase™ | Lopez v. City of Albuquerque". nm.findacase.com. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
- 1 2 Baker, Deborah. "Sen. District 14: Allegations Fly in Senate Race". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved 2016-03-13.
- ↑ "Canvass of Returns of Primary Election Held on June 5, 2012 – State of New Mexico" (PDF). Santa Fe, New Mexico: Secretary of State of New Mexico. p. 2. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ↑ "Canvass of Returns of General Election Held on November 6, 2012 – State of New Mexico" (PDF). Santa Fe, New Mexico: Secretary of State of New Mexico. p. 2. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
External links
- Official page at the New Mexico Legislature
- Campaign site
- Profile at Project Vote Smart
- Michael Padilla at Ballotpedia
- Michael Padilla at the National Institute on Money in State Politics