Padilla began her political career serving at electoral colleges, and then as an Electoral Instructor, and Electoral Director of the
District of Bayamón. She also served as Director of the New Progressive Party in Bayamón. In the
2000 elections, Padilla was elected as Senator for the
District of Bayamón. She, along with Pablo LaFontaine, were the only District Senators elected for the PNP in that election. Padilla was sworn in on May 30, 2000 becoming the first female Senator of the District. She was reelected in 2004 and 2008, being the candidate with most votes in both occasions. She was then reelected in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024. ==References==