Xavier Becerra
Former U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services · Democratic · California
Xavier Becerra is a former U.S. HHS Secretary, former California Attorney General, and longtime congressman, running in California’s open 2026 race for governor.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A veteran Democratic official with executive experience across health policy and law enforcement and deep California roots.
Core Strength
Extensive executive and legislative experience and strong ties to California’s Democratic establishment.
Core Weakness
A long insider resume in a race where several rivals compete for the same lane.
Recent Action
Entered California’s open 2026 gubernatorial race as Gov. Gavin Newsom was term-limited.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- 97%
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- $75M
Roll-call or session participation — did they show up?
Official ethics findings or court records only.
Federal health and consumer-protection programs administered during his tenure (absolute).
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Supports4
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Backs aggressive climate action and clean-energy investment.
Healthcare—Supports45
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
A leading advocate for expanding coverage and lowering health-care costs.
Second Amendment—Supports4
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
Supports strong firearm-safety laws; defended them as California AG.
Immigration—Supports4
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Supports comprehensive reform and immigrant-rights protections.
Roe v. Wade—Supports4
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
A strong supporter of abortion-access protections.
National Security—Mixed / Partial4
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
Emphasizes diplomacy and congressional authorization; no clear position on the 2025 strikes.
Party Loyalty
Party-line alignment on major recorded votes.