Now that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the 2020 election, (opens in new tab) Harris' Senate seat is vacant. California Governor Gavin Newsom will be elected and will serve until the end of Harris' term in 2022. Immediately following Harris' first vice presidential announcement, there was speculation about who would fill the role should Harris' seat become vacant, as California is a diverse and influential state with progressive policies on climate change and immigration issues. On top of that, Harris is only the second black woman ever elected to the Senate. Thus, the selection process requires nuances, and there are many candidates in the state. What do we know so far?

On December 22, the New York Times (opens in new tab) reported that Newsom had chosen Padilla to serve the last two years of Harris' Senate term. Although many were disappointed that it was not a black woman senator, Padilla would still bring diversity to the Senate, as she would be the first Latina senator to represent California.

Newsom spoke at a press conference about the "historic" moment when Harris was nominated. He added that choosing a successor at that moment "is not what I'm focused on right now," citing the pandemic and wildfires in California's COVID-19 outbreak.

But when one reporter asked if anyone came to Newsom expecting to be chosen, he replied with a small laugh, "You may be the only one who isn't.

In other words, one can surmise that it is very likely that some candidates have already sold themselves. According to the New York Times, 24 names were already being discussed around the state capital even before Harris' announcement of his vice presidency.

Newsom's discussion of Harris begins at the 58-minute mark:

On Election Day, Newsom was asked again about choosing Harris' replacement. He replied (open in new tab). Honestly, I'm not exaggerating or anything. I'm not joking." Newsom continued, "This is not something I would wish on even my worst enemy. He continued, "It's not a good idea. It's a difficult decision."

Amy Allison, founder and president of "She the People," told The Guardian (opens in new tab), "We have a lot of work to do. I don't think it's too early to think about what the community wants and what the country wants from its leaders."

Allison also said she hopes Harris' replacement will not be a man. She said, "After the protests inspired by the murder of George Floyd, it makes sense to appoint a person of color."

She said, "I think it's a good thing that we're not going to have a man of color in the Senate.

"Men would not want to lose one of the few women in the Senate," Democratic strategist Rose Kapolczynski told the New York Times.

Some names have already been discussed:

"The biggest problem the governor will have is embarrassment of riches," Harris' former chief of staff Nathan Barankin told the Guardian. 'It will be very difficult to choose among these qualified candidates.'