Xavier Becerra Enters 2026 California Governor's Race, Cites Public Service Record

Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra has officially announced his candidacy for Governor of California in the 2026 election.

Becerra, who served under former President Joe Biden and was previously the state’s Attorney General and a longtime member of Congress, spoke openly about his motivation and qualifications during a campaign event. He emphasized his deep roots in California and decades of public service.

“Well, if you want someone who can make sure that you have access to that California dream, that your kids will have a chance to do more and be better than even you were,” Becerra said, “then you have to have someone who knows how to get that done.”

He added that his experience leading the largest public health department in the world, referring to his time at HHS, sets him apart from other candidates. “The budget I operated and managed and balanced four years in a row is larger than the budget of the state of California,” Becerra noted.

Becerra enters an already competitive Democratic primary field that includes former Representative Katie Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Each candidate brings distinct credentials and constituencies to a race expected to draw national attention.

As the campaign season heats up, voters will be watching closely to see how Becerra’s blend of federal, state, and executive experience resonates across California.

Credit: NBC Palm Springs

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