Becerra Enters California Governor Race: What It Means

Former Biden administration cabinet member Xavier Becerra has officially entered the race for California governor, potentially setting up a high-profile contest against former Vice President Kamala Harris. His announcement on Wednesday adds a new dimension to the 2026 gubernatorial election, which will determine the successor to Governor Gavin Newsom, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.

Harris is reportedly considering a bid for governor, introducing further complexity into an already dynamic race. If she decides to run, it could lead to an intense battle between two seasoned Democrats who share a history in both state and federal government. Both Becerra and Harris have held the position of California attorney general and later served in President Biden’s cabinet, making their potential face-off particularly noteworthy.

Despite the possibility of Harris joining the race, Becerra remains steadfast in his decision to run. “What I can tell you with full confidence is, it doesn’t matter who enters the race—I’m in,” he stated in an interview.

The political connection between Becerra and Harris dates back to 2016 when they effectively switched roles. Harris vacated her position as California’s attorney general after being elected to the U.S. Senate, and Becerra, then a congressman, was appointed as her successor. Their transition was smooth and cooperative, with both assisting each other in adjusting to their new roles.

By 2021, when Becerra was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Harris had ascended to the vice presidency. She was the one who administered his oath of office, a moment Becerra recalls fondly. “My wife held the Bible, and she swore me in,” he reminisced about Harris’s role in the ceremony.

Throughout their tenure in the Biden administration, Becerra and Harris collaborated on various initiatives, particularly in the realm of women’s health care and reproductive rights. During the 2024 presidential election, Becerra actively campaigned for Harris, emphasizing their close working relationship. “I was giving more than 100 percent for our ticket, so I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with her for several years,” he noted.

Becerra’s decision to run, irrespective of Harris’s candidacy, adds another layer of unpredictability to an already fluid race. Some Democratic candidates might withdraw if Harris enters the fray out of respect for her high-profile status. However, Becerra remains one of the few determined to compete regardless of her decision. This marks a stark contrast to Harris’s relatively uncontested path to securing the Democratic presidential nomination last year after Biden stepped aside.

A son of Mexican immigrants, Becerra made history as the first Latino Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration. During his time in Congress, he played a crucial role in shaping the Affordable Care Act. He believes his expertise in overseeing health policies will be instrumental in helping California navigate impending federal cuts to health care programs.

As California’s attorney general, Becerra was known for his legal battles against the Trump administration, filing over 120 lawsuits on issues ranging from environmental policies to immigration and health care. He asserts that this experience has prepared him for the gubernatorial race, especially given the state’s ongoing legal disputes with the Trump administration since his return to the presidency in January.

Central to Becerra’s campaign is addressing California’s high cost of living, which he describes as an “affordability crisis.” He highlights the struggles of middle-class families burdened by soaring expenses in housing, health care, child care, and higher education. “The California dream is slipping away for working families like my parents, who were a construction worker and a clerical worker,” he emphasized. “We have to fight for that dream.”

However, Becerra’s tenure as health secretary was not without controversy. He faced criticism over the government’s handling of the pandemic response and the poor conditions in migrant children shelters under his agency’s jurisdiction.

Becerra enters an already competitive field featuring several Democratic contenders with extensive government experience. Among them is former congresswoman Katie Porter, who has emerged as one of the most recognizable figures in the race, having represented Orange County in the U.S. House of Representatives for six years. Other Democratic candidates include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis—a longtime Harris ally—former state controller Betty Yee, former state legislative leader Toni Atkins, and state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond.

On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has declared his candidacy and is positioning himself as a staunch ally of former President Trump.

Much of the political landscape will shift depending on Harris’s decision, which is expected later this summer. She is reportedly weighing multiple options, including a gubernatorial run, a potential 2028 presidential bid, or stepping away from electoral politics altogether. A source familiar with her thinking has indicated that she has yet to make a final choice.

Some California Democrats have begun urging Harris to clarify her plans to allow the race to take shape. “The governor’s race is not going to be a coronation,” Villaraigosa remarked at a recent event in Sacramento. “It’s not a steppingstone to another job. If you want to be governor, step in now. The time is now.”

With Harris’s potential candidacy looming, the race for California governor is poised to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Whether Becerra and Harris ultimately face off remains uncertain, but the battle for the state’s highest office is already heating up.