Xavier Becerra launches campaign for California governor

Xavier Becerra, who served as the U.S. Health secretary during the Biden administration, has jumped into the race for California governor.

Becerra, 67, has a long resume in California politics, including serving in the statehouse, as California’s attorney general and a longtime member of Congress.

In his announcement on Wednesday, April 2, Becerra highlighted his past work and pointed to affordability issues in California, saying it is “very tough” for someone to achieve the “California dream” today.

“But we’ve taken on these tough fights. California has succeeded in these tough fights and become the economic engine of this country,” Becerra said in an announcement video. “We can do that, but you need a leader who can be tough.”

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Becerra joins an already crowded field of Democratic candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is prevented from running again because of term limits.

That includes state Sen. Toni Atkins, businessman Stephen Cloobeck, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Rep. Katie Porter, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former state controller Betty Yee.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. 

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