Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, officially threw his hat into the ring for California’s gubernatorial race on Wednesday. With an already crowded field of Democratic candidates vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, Becerra brings to the table a wealth of experience in both state and federal government. He believes his background in crisis management and standing up to the Trump administration makes him the right choice for California’s future.
“I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time,” Becerra stated in an interview. “Watching what’s unfolding before our eyes made it clear this is not a time to sit on the sidelines.” His track record includes taking on some of the toughest challenges, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic and countering what he calls "man-made disasters" caused by Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who serves as a top advisor to the current administration. According to Becerra, their policies have slashed crucial federal agencies and services that Americans rely on every day.
A Fight for California’s Future
Becerra argues that these reckless decisions have left countless Americans vulnerable. “People are being punished,” he said, emphasizing that critical sectors like healthcare, elderly care, and consumer safety are suffering. “Whether it's the cancer patients who won’t see life-saving research completed, seniors in nursing homes who won’t have proper oversight for potential abuse, or parents worrying about lead in their children's toys—these are real consequences,” he asserted.
But beyond just resisting these challenges, Becerra believes California needs proactive leadership that prioritizes its citizens. He highlights the urgent need for executive policies that draw businesses back to the state and make it easier for wildfire victims in places like Pacific Palisades and Altadena to rebuild their lives. While environmental protection remains a priority, he suggests reviewing certain state regulations, such as the California Environmental Quality Act and the Coastal Commission’s authority, to ensure they support rather than hinder progress.
A Race with High Stakes
One of the biggest questions hanging over the race is whether former Vice President Kamala Harris will enter. Her potential candidacy has kept many on edge, as her national profile and fundraising power could significantly reshape the competition. However, Becerra made it clear that Harris’s decision won’t affect his determination. “I’m in this race to win, no matter who else joins,” he stated.
The Democratic lineup already includes big names such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, state Controller Betty Yee, state Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond, former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, and businessman Stephen Cloobeck. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has also entered the race.
Becerra and Villaraigosa are two of the most prominent Latino candidates in the race, making the Latino vote a potentially decisive factor. Becerra remains confident that his record speaks for itself. “I feel very comfortable knowing who I am, what I’ve done, what I can tell people I did, what I built, how I protected, how we achieved,” he declared. “At the end of the day, elections are about giving people a choice.”
Decades of Public Service
At 67 years old, Becerra has spent 35 years in public office, beginning with a two-year stint in the California State Assembly before being elected to Congress in 1992. During his 12 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, he held key leadership positions under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
His path to higher office accelerated in 2016 when then-Governor Jerry Brown appointed him as California’s Attorney General, filling the vacancy left by Kamala Harris when she won a U.S. Senate seat. As the state’s top prosecutor, Becerra made national headlines by filing over 120 lawsuits against Trump’s administration, cementing his role as a staunch defender of progressive policies. With Trump once again a central figure in national politics, Becerra sees California as a critical battleground for resisting his influence.
“I’ve seen this B-rated movie before, and we’re ready to take it on,” he quipped.
A Legacy of Leadership in Healthcare
Becerra’s tenure as the nation’s Health and Human Services Secretary placed him at the helm of one of the largest federal agencies, overseeing 95,000 employees at a time when the country was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. He touts his accomplishments, including delivering 700 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and launching the 988 mental health crisis hotline, which offers 24/7 suicide prevention and counseling services.
Under his watch, more than 300 million Americans accessed healthcare services, with 46 million receiving health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). He also played a key role in defending reproductive rights, fighting Trump-era policies that sought to restrict access to abortion and birth control. The Biden administration, under Becerra’s leadership, even took the fight to the Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone, a widely used abortion medication.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite these achievements, Becerra faced criticism, particularly regarding his response to the monkeypox outbreak. Reports from major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post suggested that some members of the Biden administration believed he lacked urgency and shifted too much responsibility onto state governments. Becerra, however, stands by his record. “We can’t control how states and local jurisdictions distribute vaccines, but we made sure they got them,” he explained, emphasizing his department’s proactive approach.
Final Thoughts: A Candidate Ready to Lead
With a gubernatorial field packed with experienced politicians and high-profile figures, Becerra is banking on his reputation as a fighter for California. Whether it’s his history of taking on Trump, managing complex health crises, or advocating for progressive policies, he believes his credentials make him the best choice to lead the state into its next chapter.
California voters will soon decide whether they want a governor who has spent decades in the political trenches, battling on their behalf. As Becerra himself put it, “It’s about making sure people have a choice—and I’m ready to offer them one.”
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