Xavier Becerra

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says his record as attorney general and HHS secretary gives him the experience to respond to Trump administration actions "on Day One."[1]
• Calls himself the "healthcare governor" and says he would center affordability in health care decisions.[11],[2]
• Says he would declare a state of emergency over the housing shortage on his first day in office.[3]
• Pledges to challenge federal actions he opposes in court, citing the 122 lawsuits he says he filed against the Trump administration as attorney general.[4]
• Proposes a "Power Hour" giving eligible lower-income households up to two hours of free midday electricity each day.[5],[9]

Background

• U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services · 2021–2025[13]
• Attorney General, State of California · 2017–2021[13]
• U.S. Representative (chair of the House Democratic Caucus, 2013–2017), U.S. House of Representatives, California · 1993–2017[13]
• Member, California State Assembly · 1990–1992[13]
• Deputy Attorney General, California Office of the Attorney General · 1987–1990[13]

Education

• J.D., Stanford University[13]
• B.A., Economics, Stanford University[13]

Where they stand

• Health Care
  Proposes using state purchasing power and an expanded CalRx program to lower drug prices, a health care fraud task force, and a first-day order directing state agencies to maintain coverage for people affected by federal cuts; has said he would not push for single-payer as governor.[2],[9],[11]
• Housing
  Proposes faster permitting, funding for about 40,000 approved affordable units, expanded down payment assistance, and limits on bulk home purchases by large investors; says people offered shelter should not be allowed to stay on the street, without supporting arrests.[3],[8],[10]
• Taxes
  Supports a progressive income tax and extending the higher rate on high earners to fund schools; opposes Proposition 40, the billionaire tax; proposes a fee on large employers that do not offer health coverage to low-wage workers who qualify for Medi-Cal.[8],[2]
• Energy & Environment
  Says utility bill affordability will be central to his energy policy and supports the state's clean energy goals; has said he is open to revising the 2035 phase-out of new gas car sales if costs rise.[6],[8],[9]
• Immigration
  Supports California's sanctuary law limiting police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; as attorney general, sued the Trump administration to preserve the DACA program.[8],[9]
• Abortion
  Says he would deny other states' requests to extradite California doctors who provide abortion medication; says he would direct state agencies to protect access to medically appropriate health services, including reproductive care, from federal restrictions.[12],[2]
• Public Safety
  Voted for Proposition 36 (2024) and says he would fully fund it, including court-ordered drug treatment; says sentence length should generally be left to judges.[8]
• Economy & Jobs
  Pledges to act against "price gouging and unjustified rate hikes" and expand help with child care costs; supports expanding the state film tax credit.[7],[10]

Voting record

A selection of notable recorded votes. Not a complete record.

In their words