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Mariel Padilla

General Assignment Reporter (She/Her)

Hi there, I’m Mariel Padilla. I’m a general assignment reporter at The 19th, where I’ve been since July 2020, just before the organization launched. I’ve written about all kinds of things, from the nursing shortage to child marriage laws to family-building concerns within the military community. I love falling down history rabbit holes, making spreadsheets and writing long explainers that nobody asked for (but people usually show interest in).

Previously, I was a breaking news reporter at The New York Times where I contributed to COVID-19 coverage that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize, created a database of Philippine drug war victims at the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism and contributed to a 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning project at The Cincinnati Enquirer. Despite this, my mom is most proud that I was once featured in a “Jeopardy” question.

I currently live in Indianapolis with my husband. When I’m not staring at a screen, you might find me hosting too many book clubs, singing in my church choir or playing with my ever-growing number of nieces and nephews.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

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Latest from Mariel Padilla

The Biden campaign sees an opportunity in military women, spouses and people of color

With Trump’s popularity declining among active-duty service members, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden looks to win part of that voting bloc.

Mariel Padilla · September 25, 2020
A whistleblower complaint alleging ‘high rate’ of hysterectomies in ICE detention centers parallels grim U.S. history

The allegations call to mind a history of sterilization laws in the United States dating back to the early 1900s that usually targeted the poor, disabled and women of color.

Mariel Padilla · September 16, 2020
Energized by Kamala Harris, South Asian voters may head to the polls in larger numbers

Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial ethnic group in the electorate, and Indian Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the country.

Mariel Padilla · September 3, 2020
Republican National Convention: How to watch

The 2020 Republican National Convention begins on August 24. Here’s how you can tune in to the four-day event.

Mariel Padilla · August 24, 2020
DNC largely ignores suffrage centennial

Tuesday marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, but the milestone was not on the convention’s agenda.

Mariel Padilla · August 19, 2020
Meryl Streep and Zoe Saldaña commemorate women’s voting rights centennial

The actors recited historic speeches as part of The 19th Represents.

Mariel Padilla · August 18, 2020
Democratic National Convention: How to watch

The 2020 Democratic National Convention begins on Monday, August 17, but the four-day event will be virtual this year.

Mariel Padilla · August 17, 2020
Hillary Clinton in a Biden administration? 'I’m ready to help in any way I can.'

When asked if she would take a role in a potential Biden administration, Clinton didn't entirely rule it out.

Mariel Padilla · August 13, 2020
At least 183 Democratic women are on U.S. House ballots, breaking 2018 record

At least 78 Republican women will be competing in November, a record number for that party.

Amanda Becker, Mariel Padilla · August 12, 2020
The suffrage movement is still unfinished, particularly for Black and Latino voters

As part of The 19th Represents Summit, a panel of experts discussed myths surrounding the right to vote in the United States.

Mariel Padilla · August 11, 2020

Mariel Padilla

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