MFNC Political Directory
Xavier Becerra
Governor · California · Democratic
Elected · Not Yet In Office
At a Glance
Quick Reference- Office
- Governor
- State
- California
- Party
- Democratic
- Born
- January 26, 1958
- Birthplace
- Sacramento, California
- Education
- Stanford University — Bachelor of Arts, Stanford Law School — Juris Doctor
- Spouse
- Carolina Reyes
- Term Begins
- January 2027 (anticipated)
- Previous Office
- U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–2025)
The Story So Far
Xavier Becerra is an American attorney and Democratic politician who was elected governor of California in November 2026. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, as California attorney general, and as U.S. secretary of health and human services. His election was called by the Associated Press, but official certification was still pending on November 4, 2026.
Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, on January 26, 1958. He attended Stanford University and Stanford Law School before beginning his career in law and public service.
After serving in the California State Assembly, Becerra was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992. He represented districts in the Los Angeles area from 1993 until 2017, working on federal legislation involving healthcare, taxation, immigration, and other domestic policies.
In 2017, Becerra became California attorney general, succeeding Kamala Harris. He subsequently won election to a full term in 2018. His tenure included litigation involving federal policies, environmental regulation, healthcare, immigration, and consumer protections.
President Joe Biden nominated Becerra to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Following Senate confirmation, he served as secretary from 2021 to 2025. His tenure included federal healthcare administration and public health policy during the COVID-19 period.
Becerra ran for governor in 2026 to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. On November 3, the Associated Press called the election for Becerra over Republican Steve Hilton. He is expected to take office in January 2027.
Political Career
1980s
Attorney and Public Service
Began his legal career and worked in public service before entering the California Legislature.
1990–1992
California State Assembly
Represented a Los Angeles-area district in the California State Assembly.
1993–2017
U.S. Representative
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing communities in the Los Angeles area.
2017–2021
California Attorney General
Led the California Department of Justice, including litigation and enforcement involving federal and state law.
2021–2025
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Led the federal department responsible for major public health and healthcare programs.
2026
California Gubernatorial Campaign
Campaigned for governor against Republican Steve Hilton in the November general election.
November 3, 2026
California Governor-Elect
The Associated Press called the California governor's race for Becerra. Official election certification remained pending.
Policies & Positions
This section will document publicly stated positions, proposals, and legislative or executive actions.
Healthcare
Supports access to healthcare and has an extensive federal healthcare policy record.
Publicly Stated Position
Becerra has advocated for the Affordable Care Act and expanded access to healthcare coverage.
Legislative / Executive Record
Served as U.S. secretary of health and human services from 2021 to 2025, overseeing federal healthcare programs and public health initiatives.
Immigration
Has supported immigrant protections and challenged certain federal immigration policies.
Publicly Stated Position
Becerra has supported legal protections for immigrant communities and opposed several restrictive federal immigration measures.
Legislative / Executive Record
As California attorney general, participated in litigation challenging federal immigration policies.
Reproductive Rights
Supports abortion rights and reproductive healthcare access.
Publicly Stated Position
Becerra has advocated for legal protections for reproductive healthcare.
Legislative / Executive Record
His tenure as HHS secretary included federal reproductive healthcare policy and administration.
Climate & Environment
Has supported environmental protections and challenged federal environmental rollbacks.
Legislative / Executive Record
As California attorney general, his office participated in environmental litigation involving federal regulations.
Economy & Taxes
Affordability and the cost of living were major issues in California's 2026 gubernatorial election.
Publicly Stated Position
Becerra emphasized his experience in government and his approach to California's economic challenges during the campaign.
Proposals & Commitments
Specific gubernatorial tax and affordability proposals require further primary-source documentation.
Housing
Housing affordability and homelessness are major issues facing California's next governor.
Publicly Stated Position
A detailed, independently verified summary of Becerra's 2026 housing platform has not yet been completed for this profile.
Education
Education policy is an important responsibility of California's state government.
Publicly Stated Position
Specific 2026 gubernatorial education proposals have not yet been sufficiently documented for this profile.
Gun Rights & Regulation
Has a public record involving gun regulation and state legal enforcement.
Legislative / Executive Record
As California attorney general, oversaw a department responsible for enforcing state laws, including firearm regulations.
Civil Rights & Equality
Has supported civil rights protections through federal and state public service.
Legislative / Executive Record
His service as California attorney general included civil rights enforcement responsibilities.
Crime & Public Safety
Previously led California's statewide law enforcement department.
Legislative / Executive Record
Served as California attorney general from 2017 to 2021, overseeing the state Department of Justice.
Voting Rights
Has opposed certain federal policies affecting voting access.
Legislative / Executive Record
As California attorney general, participated in legal challenges involving federal government actions.
Labor & Workers' Rights
Has participated in federal and state policymaking affecting workers.
Publicly Stated Position
A comprehensive 2026 gubernatorial labor platform has not yet been independently documented for this profile.
Technology & Privacy
Previously held statewide responsibilities involving consumer protection and legal enforcement.
Legislative / Executive Record
As attorney general, oversaw a department with consumer protection responsibilities.
Foreign Policy
Foreign policy is primarily a federal responsibility rather than a gubernatorial function.
Publicly Stated Position
No comprehensive gubernatorial foreign policy platform has been documented.
Election History
| Year | Office | Result | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Governor of California | Won — AP race call; certification pending | — |
| 2026 | California Gubernatorial Primary | Advanced to general election | — |
| 2018 | California Attorney General | Won election | — |
| 2016 | U.S. House of Representatives | Reelected | — |
| 1992 | U.S. House of Representatives | Elected | — |
Beyond Politics
- Becerra was born in Sacramento, California.
- He graduated from Stanford University and Stanford Law School.
- He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017.
- He served as California attorney general from 2017 to 2021.
- He served as U.S. secretary of health and human services from 2021 to 2025.
- He was elected governor of California in November 2026, with official certification pending.
Sources & References
- Associated Press — California Governor Election
- KQED — California Governor Results
- CalMatters — 2026 California Governor Election
- Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Xavier Becerra
Last verified: 2026-11-04