Get to Know Xavier Becerra: Insights on the California Gubernatorial Candidate
Xavier Becerra Emerges as Leading Candidate for California Governor
Xavier Becerra has recently ascended among the Democratic frontrunners in the California governor’s race, a notable shift after spending considerable time at the bottom of polling rankings.
Becerra’s career in public service spans several decades. He began his political journey in the California State Assembly during the late 1980s, later serving as a congressional representative for Los Angeles districts starting in 1992. Following his congressional tenure, he was appointed California’s attorney general. Becerra subsequently transitioned to the role of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden.
Born to working-class immigrants from Mexico, Becerra exemplifies the American Dream, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college with both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from Stanford University.
In recent weeks, Becerra has gained momentum following Representative Eric Swalwell’s departure from the gubernatorial race amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. This shift has resulted in a surge in Becerra’s poll numbers.
A Historic Figure in Politics
Becerra has a history of breaking barriers, having been the first Latino to serve as both California’s attorney general and the nation’s health secretary. Relocating to Southern California in the 1980s, he began his political career while aiding California State Senator Art Torres. As the political landscape in California evolved to incorporate more Latino representation, Becerra became a notable figure. Fernando Guerra, founding director of Loyola Marymount University’s Center for the Study of Los Angeles, remarked that Becerra has played a significant role in integrating Latinos into California’s political narrative.
Campaign Priorities and Health Care Proposals
At the forefront of Becerra’s campaign is health care, leveraging his experience in Congress and the Biden administration. Notably, he played a key role in crafting and passing the Affordable Care Act during the Obama administration. Becerra advocates for a universal single-payer system that would establish a state agency to provide low-cost medical services to Californians.
Additionally, he highlights his record of challenging the administration of former President Donald Trump, having sued the federal government 122 times on various issues related to immigration and health care.
Immigration Stance
Becerra’s personal background as the son of immigrants influences his strong stance on immigration. He has pledged to provide health care coverage for undocumented immigrants and criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to roll back a program that offered health insurance to this population. While his Democratic rival, Katie Porter, has pointedly challenged him on the specifics of his proposals, Becerra remains confident that his proven track record will enable him to champion immigrant rights in California, advocating for protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
Controversies from His Tenure as Health Secretary
Becerra’s tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services was not without controversy. His department faced significant scrutiny when U.S.-Mexico border towns became overwhelmed with migrants, resulting in a failure to track a substantial number of children released from migrant facilities. A report by the HHS Office of Inspector General in 2024 revealed that nearly a quarter of these children did not receive timely follow-up calls. Additionally, Becerra’s department was criticized for a perceived slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises, including Mpox.
As the race for California’s governorship intensifies, Becerra’s extensive experience and policy proposals will likely play a critical role in shaping the discourse and decision-making leading up to the election.
