Who Is Xavier Becerra? The Democrat Backed By Kamala Harris And Gavin Newsom In The California Governor’s Race

The race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in California has come down to two candidates: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. After California’s top-two primary produced a head-to-head November contest, Democrats have coalesced behind Becerra, and attention has turned to his long public record as he seeks the governorship of the nation’s most populous state.

Background And Career

Xavier Becerra attended Stanford University for both undergraduate and law school before building a career that blended legal work and elective politics in California. He represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017, serving as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (1997–1999) and as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus (2009–2013).

After Congress, Becerra served as California’s attorney general. In that role his office filed more than 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration and helped defend the Affordable Care Act against legal challenges. In 2021 President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services.

Primary Result And Endorsements

The Associated Press reported that Republican Steve Hilton, a one-time Fox News contributor, finished second in California’s primary, edging out Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer and setting a November rematch between Hilton and Becerra. Hilton has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Both Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter conceded the primary and announced endorsements for Becerra.

Vice President Kamala Harris congratulated Becerra on social media: "I am excited to offer him all the support I can as he sets out to become our state’s next governor." Harris, who preceded Becerra as California attorney general, praised his willingness to take on major fights.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also endorsed Becerra, writing that "he has the experience and grit California needs. He will stand up to Donald Trump, defend our families, and keep our state moving forward."

Campaign Themes And Criticisms

Becerra’s campaign has leaned heavily on his résumé and governing experience. During the primary he quipped, "You know, competence is cool. Having experience is hot." He is expected to contrast his long public-service record with Hilton’s relative inexperience.

But Becerra’s record is not without controversy. Critics — including some former members of the Biden administration — have faulted his tenure at HHS, alleging problems with the handling of young migrants and questioning the forcefulness of his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those criticisms, along with his long political résumé, may pose challenges with skeptical voters.

Outlook

The general election is shaping into a contest between Becerra’s experience, establishment backing and the Democratic tilt of California, and Hilton’s outsider message and national GOP support. Becerra enters November with name recognition, high-profile endorsements, and a record that both strengthens his case and gives opponents specific lines of attack he will need to address if he hopes to succeed Gov. Newsom.