Introduction to the Candidacy
Former Biden administration Health Secretary Xavier Becerra on Wednesday became the latest Democrat to join the crowded field seeking to become California’s next governor, a contest that could be dramatically reshaped if former Vice President Kamala Harris becomes a candidate.
The Stanford Law School graduate enters the race with a lengthy resume of government service, including stints as California attorney general, a U.S. House member, and a state legislator. In December 2020, then-President-elect Joe Biden picked Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, putting a defender of the Affordable Care Act in a leading role to oversee his administration’s coronavirus response.
The California Dream and Affordability Crisis
In a heavily Democratic state with punishing housing and grocery prices and some of the nation’s highest gas and utility costs, Becerra said working families are facing an affordability crisis. “The California Dream is slipping away,” he said in a statement announcing his run. This crisis is a central theme of his campaign, aiming to appeal to voters who feel the state’s high cost of living is eroding the quality of life.
The Contest for Governor
The contest to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom already has lured a large scrum of announced and likely candidates that would be reordered if Harris decides to seek the state’s top office. Harris, a former state attorney general and U.S. senator, has not ruled out seeking the governorship since she left Washington in January after a failed presidential bid. Democrats are expected to hold the seat in a state where they outnumber registered Republicans by nearly 2 to 1. Republicans have not won a statewide election in California in nearly two decades.
Becerra’s Statement and Rivals
In a statement, Becerra did not directly mention any of his Democratic rivals, who include former U.S. House member Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, among others. On the GOP side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in February became the first major Republican to announce a bid to replace Newsom, whose term runs through early January 2027. Bianco blamed Democrats for the ongoing homeless crisis and runaway housing prices.
Becerra’s Background and Inspiration
The low-key Becerra said he was ready to "take on bullies who get in our way,” an obvious reference to President Donald Trump. When Becerra was serving as California attorney general during Trump’s first term, he developed a reputation for suing the Republican administration more than anyone else on issues from health care to environmental policy. Becerra frequently cites his working-class parents as inspiration. His mother was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and emigrated to the U.S. after marrying his father, a native of Sacramento, California, who had grown up in Mexico. “My parents came to California with $12 in their pockets. They built a life they were proud of,” Becerra said. “That’s the promise of California, and I will fight to ensure it’s still within reach for everyone.”
Campaign Announcement
I’m running to be the next Governor of California.
As AG I took on Trump – and won. As HHS Secretary, I took on Big Pharma – and won. It’s time to do it again for California. Let’s rebuild the California Dream for everyone.
Join our team: https://t.co/pZsqE35Iku pic.twitter.com/G4ZRVRGHek
— Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) April 2, 2025
## Conclusion
Xavier Becerra’s announcement to run for California governor marks a significant entry into the race, bringing with him a wealth of experience in government and health policy. His campaign focuses on the affordability crisis and the promise of the California Dream, aiming to resonate with voters across the state. As the election landscape continues to evolve, Becerra’s candidacy is sure to be a notable aspect of the contest to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
## FAQs
– **Q: Who is Xavier Becerra?**
– A: Xavier Becerra is the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Biden administration and has served in various government roles, including as California attorney general and a U.S. House member.
– **Q: Why is Becerra running for governor?**
– A: Becerra is running to address the affordability crisis in California and to ensure the California Dream remains accessible to all, focusing on issues like housing, healthcare, and education.
– **Q: Who are Becerra’s rivals in the election?**
– A: Becerra faces a field of Democratic rivals, including Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Eleni Kounalakis, as well as Republican challengers like Chad Bianco.
– **Q: What experience does Becerra bring to the campaign?**
– A: Becerra brings a lengthy resume of government service, including leading the Department of Health and Human Services during the pandemic and suing the Trump administration on various policy issues as California attorney general.
