• Xavier Becerra, former HHS Secretary, has officially launched his campaign for California governor.
• Becerra joins a competitive field of candidates, including potential contenders like Kamala Harris.
• He emphasizes the "affordability crisis" in California, stating, "The California Dream is slipping away."
• With a strong political background, Becerra has previously served as California’s attorney general and a U.S. House representative.

Former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his candidacy for California governor on Wednesday, competing to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra joins a crowded field of Democratic contenders, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Senate Leader Toni Atkins, and current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. Notably, the race could become more competitive if former Vice President Kamala Harris chooses to enter, given her previous popularity in California, where she has consistently topped early polls since her presidential bid. Throughout his announcement on the social platform X, Becerra highlighted the pressing issues of affordability facing many Californians. “California is at a crossroads... The California Dream is slipping away,” he stated, echoing concerns about rising housing costs and the burdens facing working families. Becerra's public service record is extensive; he previously served twelve terms in the U.S. House and played a vital role as the state’s attorney general. His tenure as a legal advocate against the Trump administration's policies has been a significant part of his political identity. He boasted about suing Trump over 120 times while he served as attorney general. “As AG I took on Trump – and won. As HHS Secretary, I took on Big Pharma – and won. It’s time to do it again for California," Becerra emphasized in his announcement video. Interestingly, while acknowledging the dynamic nature of the race, Becerra stated, “What I can tell you with full confidence is, it doesn’t matter who gets in — I’m in.” His potential rivals have yet to discourage his hopes; for example, Attorney General Rob Bonta, who chose not to run, has publicly supported Harris should she decide to enter the race. Numerous Democrats have stepped into the race with the anticipation that Democrats will continue to hold this position in the heavily blue state. Conversely, only a few Republicans have declared their candidacies, most notably Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who has been critical of the current political climate. The upcoming gubernatorial race presents a showcase of the Democratic party’s leadership and policies, amid challenges that include economic inequality and healthcare access. Ultimately, Becerra's campaign aims to restore the essence of the California Dream against the backdrop of an evolving political landscape. For more details, visit The Hill, CBS News, New York Times, and HuffPost.