Xavier Becerra, a former cabinet secretary under President Biden and a key figure in California's legal challenges against the Trump administration, announced his candidacy for governor of California on Wednesday. This move sets the stage for a potential contest with former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also contemplating a run for the position in the 2026 election to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited.
Becerra expressed his determination to run regardless of Harris's decision, stating, "What I can tell you with full confidence is, it doesn’t matter who gets in — I’m in."
The professional relationship between Becerra and Harris dates back to the aftermath of the 2016 election when they transitioned into their respective roles as California attorney general and U.S. senator. Becerra succeeded Harris as attorney general after her election to the Senate, and they both collaborated on various initiatives during their time in the Biden administration.
Becerra, who served as the first Latino secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasized his experience in health policy and advocacy, particularly in light of ongoing federal cuts to healthcare programs. He previously played a significant role in crafting the Affordable Care Act while serving in Congress.
Throughout his tenure as attorney general, Becerra filed over 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from environmental policies to immigration. He aims to leverage this experience in his gubernatorial campaign, focusing on the rising cost of living in California, which he describes as an "affordability crisis" affecting families across the state.
Despite facing criticism during his time as health secretary, particularly regarding the federal pandemic response and conditions in shelters for migrant children, Becerra enters a competitive gubernatorial race. His opponents include several experienced Democrats such as Antonio Villaraigosa, Eleni Kounalakis, Betty Yee, Toni Atkins, and Tony Thurmond, as well as Republican Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County.
As candidates await Harris's decision on her political future, which may include a run for governor or president, some Democratic figures are urging her to clarify her intentions to shape the race. Villaraigosa remarked that the governor's race should not be seen as a mere stepping stone for any candidate, emphasizing the need for all interested individuals to enter the contest without delay.