Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra launched his bid to become the next governor of California. He was previously the state’s attorney general.
Becerra could face former Vice President Kamala Harris to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Harris said she would make an announcement this summer on whether she plans to run for governor of California. Becerra’s campaign said he would not exit the race should Harris enter.
“California is at a crossroads. From housing to healthcare, childcare to college, working families are facing an affordability crisis. The California Dream is slipping away. I’m running for Governor to fight for that dream, to build a stronger, affordable California for everyone, and to take on bullies who get in our way,” Becerra said in a statement announcing his run.
“California is the economic engine of America, the fifth-largest economy in the world,” Becerra said. “That wasn’t luck or accident. It was intentional; it was hard work. We need a leader who will reward hard work, innovation, and endurance again. We need a leader who has rolled up his sleeves as a construction worker, an executive, and a lawmaker. I’m that leader, and as Governor I’ll be ready to build a California that’s rising.”
A native of the state, Becerra has over 30 years of experience representing California. He first served in the House from a district representing neighborhoods around Downtown Los Angeles from 1993 through 2017. He was also Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
In 2017, he was tapped by then-Gov. Jerry Brown to be the California attorney general after Harris vacated the position when was elected to the Senate.
Some early polling suggests that if Harris were to enter the race, 57% of voters would prefer her as the Democratic nominee.
Becerra launched his campaign the day after President Donald Trump’s administration laid off around 20% of the agency he used to run.
REPUBLICANS TURN TO 2025 GOVERNOR BATTLES AS PARTY LOOKS TO RIDE 2024 SUCCESS
Former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter has also announced her intention to run for governor of the Golden State.
Newsom is term-limited and, therefore, cannot run in the 2026 election.
