By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-04-03 21:37:25 | Updated at 2025-04-04 17:29:14
21 hours ago
A former cabinet official for President Joe Biden announced his decision Thursday to run for governor of California on Thursday, which threatens to upend former Vice President Kamala Harris' dreams of succeeding Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his decision to run for Governor of California, the highest-ranking Democratic political figure in the state.
'I watched my parents — a construction worker and a clerical worker — achieve the California dream,' Becerra said in his announcement video. 'Can we do that today with this affordability crisis?'
The former secretary emphasized his record as Attorney General of California, reminding voters he took on the first administration of President Donald Trump in court.
'[I]'ve taken on these tough fights,' he said. 'We can do that, but you need a leader who can be tough.'
If Becerra wins, he would be the state’s first Latino governor in 150 years.
Harris has remained quiet about her political future after losing to President Donald Trump in 2024, as she as instructed aides to keep her political options open.
The former vice president still maintains popularity in California despite the nationwide rejection of voters in swing states and her loss of the popular vote against Trump.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his decision to run for Governor of California
President Joe Biden hands a pen to Vice President Kamala Harris after signing an executive order on abortion access during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Friday, July 8, 2022, in Washington. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, right, looks on.
Becerra's entrance into the race suggests he is not worried that Harris will run for governor or that he can still be a competitive candidate if she does.
Other potential candidates are waiting for Harris to reveal her intentions before making their decision.
The Democratic primary for the race is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election scheduled for November.
Harris has always been popular in California, easily beating Democratic challengers in her race for Attorney General and her race for Senator of California.
Her 2020 race for president, however, failed spectacularly as she ended her campaign before the Iowa caucuses and the California primary.
After losing her presidential campaign, Harris organized some of her trusted aides into the organization Pioneer49, while she explores her political future.
Harris and Newsom have long been considered 'frenemies' in California, each trying to avoid competing with each other in political races.
Both candidates were considering a run for California governor in 2016, but ultimately went in different directions.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is eying the 2028 Democratic primary for president
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has not yet announced her plans for her political future
Newsom chose to run for governor of California while Harris ran for the state's Senate seat to replace the retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer.
Harris could finally face Newsom in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, if she chooses to run again for president after coming up short in 2024.
The former vice president warned of the 'flames on our horizons,' the 'rising waters in our cities,' and 'the shadows gathering over our democracy,' during a speech to the NAACP in February.
'Our strength flows from our faith — faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction,' she said. 'Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Not because victory is guaranteed, but because the fight is worth it.'
