JD Vance Triggers California Democrats With One Word in LA [WATCH]

Vice President J.D. Vance drew sharp reactions from California Democrats on Friday after he allegedly mistakenly referred to U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) as “Jose Padilla” during a public appearance in Los Angeles.

The remark came during a Q&A session in which Vice President Vance was addressing questions about law enforcement actions taken under the Trump administration.

While responding, Vance referenced several Democratic officials, and when mentioning Sen. Padilla, referred to him as “Jose Padilla,” prompting criticism from top California officials.

I think it’s safe to say that JD Vance gives zero f*cks.

Shout out to Jose Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) pic.twitter.com/QCI1NxxzEP

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) June 20, 2025

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🚨 LMAO! A JD Vance spokesperson just TROLLED CNN when they asked why Vance called Alex Padilla “Jose”

“JD must’ve mixed up two people who have broken the law”

The REAL Jose Padilla was convicted of aiding and abetting terrorism 🤣 pic.twitter.com/WjSpZDH02n

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 21, 2025

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded directly to Vance’s comment, stating, “You served with him today, and how dare you disrespect him and call him Jose, but I guess he just looked like anybody to you. Well, he’s not just anybody to us. He is our senator.”

🚨 JUST IN: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass throws an absolute FIT after JD Vance calls Alex Padilla “Jose” 🤣

If only she was this angry about illegals BURNING DOWN her city.

Bass should be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/67SMyy3qU3

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 21, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in shortly afterward, suggesting Vance’s comment was intentional.

“J.D. Vance served with Alex Padilla in the United States Senate. Calling him ‘Jose Padilla’ is not an accident,” Newsom wrote in a post on social media Friday evening.

JD Vance served with Alex Padilla in the United States Senate.

Calling him “Jose Padilla” is not an accident. pic.twitter.com/UOgdzdKcuy

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 20, 2025

Less than an hour later, Newsom escalated the exchange with a public challenge to debate the Vice President.

“Hey @JDVance — nice of you to finally make it out to California. Since you’re so eager to talk about me, how about saying it to my face? Let’s debate. Time and place?” Newsom posted.

Hey @JDVance — nice of you to finally make it out to California.

Since you’re so eager to talk about me, how about saying it to my face?

Let’s debate. Time and place?

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 20, 2025

The Vice President’s visit to California is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to highlight policy contrasts with Democrat-led states.

During his appearance in Los Angeles, Vance criticized California’s sanctuary policies and rising crime rates, pointing to what he described as failures of governance under the state’s Democratic leadership.

The debate challenge from Newsom drew comparisons to a similar invitation he extended to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, which led to a televised debate on national issues.

Last time you debated all it took was taking a poop map out. https://t.co/DUoa3Y7lBm pic.twitter.com/5ZVnSU6uXU

— Prison Mitch (@MidnightMitch) June 21, 2025

That debate received widespread attention but did not result in a political boost for Newsom, who has repeatedly been floated as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

Since Gavin Newsom is so eager to jump into the 2028 presidential election, maybe you should check out what he’s done to California pic.twitter.com/3Vfmt988Ja https://t.co/ZinDmUE9Ip

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) June 20, 2025

The exchange comes as political activity ramps up following President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January.

With the 2024 election concluded, both parties are beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2028 cycle.

Newsom, who has increased his national visibility in recent years, is widely expected to be a leading contender for the Democratic nomination should he choose to run.

Vice President Vance, elected alongside President Trump in 2024, has played a prominent role in the administration’s messaging on border security, the economy, and law enforcement.

He previously served in the U.S. Senate representing Ohio before joining the presidential ticket.

‘Jose’ Padilla didn’t seem to like any of it…

Senator Padilla is quite perturbed by JD Vance calling him ‘Jose’ — “He knows my name!” pic.twitter.com/xfcUpNdclp

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) June 21, 2025

Democrats called President Trump and MAGA “Nazis” for years.

So…spare us the theatrics when J.D. Vance calls Senator Alex Padilla, “Jose”. pic.twitter.com/GuimoDvHSz

— Steve 🇺🇸 (@SteveLovesAmmo) June 21, 2025

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