Xavier Becerra

Overview

Becerra is the son of Mexican immigrants and a lifelong Californian whose career reflects a steady rise through public service. He earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree from Stanford University. He began his career as a deputy attorney general in California and a member of the California State Assembly. He then served more than two decades in Congress, becoming a senior Democratic leader before transitioning into executive roles at both the state and federal levels.

As Attorney General, Becerra became nationally known for filing over 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration, often succeeding and defending California's environmental, immigration, and healthcare policies. He declined to file charges against officers in the 2018 shooting of Stephon Clark, citing the legal standard of "honest and reasonable belief," a decision that prompted widespread protest. His office also warned journalists of potential legal consequences over publishing a confidential list of officers with criminal convictions, citing concerns about improper data release.

As HHS secretary under Joe Biden, Becerra oversaw federal health programs and pandemic-era policy implementation and advocated for expanding healthcare access and lowering drug costs.

Education

• Stanford University: Bachelor of Arts in Economics (1980). He was the first in his family to graduate from college
• Stanford Law School: Juris Doctor (1984)
• Study Abroad: Attended the University of Salamanca in Spain (1978–1979)

Positions Held

Becerra's resume covers all three levels of government:

• U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–2025): Appointed by President Biden; oversaw the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and managed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• California Attorney General (2017–2021): Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown and later elected. He famously filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to environmental protections
• U.S. House of Representatives (1993–2017): Served 12 terms representing Los Angeles. He was the Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus
• California State Assembly (1990–1992): Represented the 59th District
• Deputy Attorney General, CA Dept. of Justice (1987–1990): Worked in the civil rights division

Why He's Running

Becerra is running for Governor to make sure that California keeps rising-that we're building our economy while working hard to protect your rights and freedoms. Xavier Becerra's campaign is built on experience, legal credibility, and healthcare leadership. He positions himself as a steady, proven public servant who has already fought and won for California on the national stage, and now seeks to bring that record into the governor's office.

Key Campaign Priorities

1. Cost of Living & Economic Opportunity

• Frames campaign around preserving the "California Dream" with focus on housing affordability, economic growth and job creation
• Emphasizes California as a global economic leader that must work for everyone
• Childcare: As HHS Secretary, he led efforts to expand early childhood education and federal childcare subsidies. In his 2026 platform, he pledges to expand state help with childcare costs

2. Healthcare

• Healthcare expansion: advocates for expanding access to coverage, lowering prescription drug costs, and protecting public health systems. Brandishing the title of "Health Care Governor," he advocates for Medicare for All (long-term) while focusing on strengthening Medi-Cal and reducing prescription drug costs. He was a primary architect and defender of the ACA

3. Defending Rights and California Values

• Emphasizes protecting reproductive rights, immigrant communities, and civil liberties

4. Taking on Corporate Power

• Taking on Big Pharma, ensuring corporations pay their fair share

5. Housing

• Increasing housing supply, investing in infrastructure. He views housing as "essential infrastructure." His platform includes taking on price gouging, expanding rent protections, and using state power to lower costs where "the market has failed"

6. Natural Resources

• As Attorney General, he created the Bureau of Environmental Justice. He successfully sued to protect endangered species in the Central Valley and fought federal attempts to roll back clean car standards

7. Veteran Support

• Historically, he has supported legislation expanding veterans' access to healthcare and job training, though it is a less central pillar of his current "Economic Opportunity" focus than healthcare

Endorsements

Labor and Professional Organizations:

Party, Youth, and Elected Support:

For latest updates, visit: xavierbecerra2026.com/endorsements

Campaign Financing

As of early 2026, Becerra is a top-tier fundraiser. His campaign is powered by:

• Transfers: A significant portion of his initial war chest ($2.6M+) came from transferring funds from his previous state campaign accounts
• Major Donors: He typically draws support from labor unions, healthcare advocacy groups, and traditional Democratic donors in Los Angeles and Sacramento
• Small-Dollar Donors: Like many modern Democrats, he utilizes platforms like ActBlue for grassroots fundraising

Foreign Policy and Middle East Positions

• Israel/Palestine: He has consistently supported a two-state solution. In 2024, as HHS Secretary, he faced minor controversy after referring to "Israel and Palestine" at the World Health Assembly; his office later clarified he "misspoke" and intended to refer to "Israelis and Palestinians," maintaining the official U.S. position of not yet recognizing a sovereign Palestinian state
• Humanitarian Aid: He has called for a "surge" in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and an immediate ceasefire to allow for the release of hostages
• Antisemitism: He has faced pressure from Congressional Republicans to investigate and curb antisemitism on college campuses receiving federal health/research funds

Political Assessment