By MICHAEL R. BLOOD | Related Press
LOS ANGELES — Former Biden administration Well being Secretary Xavier Becerra on Wednesday grew to become the most recent Democrat to hitch the crowded subject in search of to develop into California’s subsequent governor, a contest that could possibly be dramatically reshaped if former Vice President Kamala Harris turns into a candidate.
The Stanford Legislation Faculty graduate enters the race with a prolonged resume of presidency service, together with stints as California legal professional normal, a U.S. Home member and a state legislator. In December 2020, then-President-elect Joe Biden picked Becerra to guide the Division of Well being and Human Providers, placing a defender of the Reasonably priced Care Act in a number one function to supervise his administration’s coronavirus response.
In a closely Democratic state with punishing housing and grocery costs and a number of the nation’s highest fuel and utility prices, Becerra stated working households are dealing with an affordability disaster.
“The California Dream is slipping away,” he stated in a press release saying his run.
Democrats are anticipated to carry the seat in a state the place they outnumber registered Republicans by almost 2 to 1. Republicans haven’t gained a statewide election in California in almost twenty years.
In a press release, Becerra didn’t straight point out any of his Democratic rivals, who embody former U.S. Home member Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, amongst others.
The low-key Becerra stated he was able to “take on bullies who get in our way,” an apparent reference to President Donald Trump.
When Becerra was serving as California legal professional normal throughout Trump’s first time period, he developed a repute for suing the Republican administration greater than anybody else on points from well being care to environmental coverage.
Whereas Becerra led the federal well being company in the course of the pandemic, California instituted lengthy lockdowns which were faulted for disrupting training and the economic system. That would make him a goal for conservatives.
Becerra steadily cites his working-class dad and mom as inspiration. His mom was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and emigrated to the U.S. after marrying his father, a local 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 stated. “That’s the promise of California, and I will fight to ensure it’s still within reach for everyone.”
Initially Revealed: April 2, 2025 at 7:54 AM PDT
