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 Sep 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Summary
A veteran Democratic official with executive experience across health policy and law enforcement and deep California roots.
Recent Action
Entered California’s open 2026 gubernatorial race as Gov. Gavin Newsom was term-limited.
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.