Former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, who served under the Biden administration, has entered the competitive race to become California’s next governor. The contest could see significant changes should former Vice President Kamala Harris decide to run. Becerra, a Stanford Law School alumnus, brings with him extensive experience in public service, having held positions as California Attorney General, a U.S. House member, and a state legislator. In December 2020, he was appointed by then-President-elect Joe Biden to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a role in which he was responsible for overseeing the administration’s coronavirus response.
California, known for its strong Democratic leanings, faces pressing issues such as high housing, grocery, gas, and utility costs. Amidst this backdrop, Becerra has highlighted what he terms an “affordability crisis” impacting working families, asserting that the “California Dream is slipping away.”
The race to succeed Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is limited by term restrictions, already includes numerous declared and potential candidates. This landscape might shift if Harris chooses to pursue the governorship. Harris, a former state attorney general and U.S. senator, has not discounted the possibility of campaigning for the state’s highest office since departing Washington following her unsuccessful presidential campaign. The Democratic Party is expected to maintain control of the governor’s seat in California, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly two to one. The Republican Party has not secured a statewide victory in nearly two decades.
In his announcement, Becerra refrained from mentioning his Democratic competitors, among them former U.S. House member Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. On the Republican front, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco was the first significant candidate to declare a bid, criticizing Democrats for California’s homelessness issues and soaring housing prices.
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Becerra, known for his reserved demeanor, has expressed his resolve to “take on bullies who get in our way,” a veiled reference to President Donald Trump. During Trump’s first term, Becerra, as California’s attorney general, became known for frequently challenging the Republican administration on health care and environmental policies. His leadership at the federal health agency during the pandemic, a period marked by extensive lockdowns in California, has been criticized for its impact on education and the economy, potentially making him a target for conservative criticism.
Drawing inspiration from his working-class background, Becerra often shares the story of his parents, who emigrated from Mexico with limited resources. “My parents came to California with $12 in their pockets. They built a life they were proud of,” Becerra remarked. “That’s the promise of California, and I will fight to ensure it’s still within reach for everyone.”
Impact on Daily Life
- The gubernatorial race, with a potential candidacy from Kamala Harris, could alter political dynamics in California, influencing policy direction and governance style.
- Housing and utility costs, highlighted by Becerra as a critical issue, remain a significant concern for residents, impacting affordability and quality of life.
- Becerra’s focus on affordability may lead to policy proposals aimed at reducing living expenses, which could provide relief to many Californian families.
- The involvement of prominent political figures in the race could result in increased voter engagement and turnout, influencing the state’s political landscape.
- Economic policies stemming from this election could shape California’s recovery and growth trajectory, affecting job opportunities and business climate.
