WASHINGTON — Xavier Becerra’s political career has been marked by a gradual ascent that is culminating as he competes to lead California as governor. His journey began with a significant victory in June 1992 when he won the Democratic primary for California’s 30th Congressional District against Leticia Quezada, then a member of the Los Angeles school board. This victory earned him recognition as a “rising star” in political circles.
Throughout his 25 years in Washington, Becerra became known for his ability to build alliances and exert influence within the Democratic Party. His tenure saw him become the first Latino member appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, a powerful position that allowed him to shape tax legislation. Key moments in his career, however, were marked by challenges and criticisms regarding his performance.
“He’s an affable person who’s not afraid to pull out a knife in politics while smiling,” said Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California. Becerra’s campaign did not comment on his time in Washington.
Born to immigrant parents in Sacramento, Becerra broke barriers as the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a degree from Stanford University in 1980 and later a law degree. He began his political career working for state Senator Art Torres before stepping into Congress after being endorsed by the late Representative Edward Roybal.
An early test
Becerra faced a significant setback in 2001 when he entered the Los Angeles mayoral race. Despite strong ties to the Latino community, his campaign garnered only 6% of the primary votes amid criticisms of potentially splitting the Latino vote. Compounding his struggles, his campaign was linked to automated phone calls that undermined his opponent, Antonio Villaraigosa. After this defeat, Becerra returned his attention to Congress, where he became an ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
He served as assistant to the speaker from 2007 to 2009, building his reputation as a consensus-builder. Despite some friction with Pelosi over policy disagreements, he rose to chair the House Democratic Caucus and played a role in critical negotiations, including immigration reform efforts.
Capitol Hill climbing
In late 2016, Becerra opted to leave Congress and return to California as the state’s attorney general following Kamala Harris’s election to the Senate. He took on the role of “defender-in-chief” against the Trump administration’s policies, maintaining a high profile on various legal issues.
Fraught second act in D.C.
Becerra returned to Washington in 2021 when he was appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, despite facing considerable opposition from Republicans. His tenure was characterized by criticism regarding the agency’s response to the pandemic, press relations, and confusing public messaging about health guidelines. Issues also arose regarding the handling of migrant children under his agency’s care.
Additionally, controversies emerged when Becerra’s former chief of staff and a key advisor pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme involving campaign funds. While neither Becerra nor Governor Gavin Newsom has been accused of wrongdoing, the situation has impacted his public perception in the lead-up to the gubernatorial race.
As Becerra moves forward in his gubernatorial campaign, many are assessing his effectiveness as a leader and his ability to be decisive in a political climate that demands bold actions.
