Former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, who used to toil under the Biden administration, is potentially setting himself up for a challenging Democratic brawl in California. Amusingly, he asserts with utmost conviction that irrespective of the opposition, he is ready to step into the ring for running for governor.
This Biden ex-secretary gained some recognition amid California’s legal struggles against the policies enacted by President Trump during his first tenure. During a raft of Wednesday surprises, Becerra announced his aspiration to be California’s governor. This indicates an imminent face-off with none other than Kamala Harris, who is toying with the idea of running for governor herself.
This power play arises due to the restriction on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s re-election, caused by term limits. The year 2026 might see a political chessboard where two Democrats, both originating from Biden’s dilapidated cabinet, were brought to distinction as California’s attorneys general and are now fiercely contesting for the state’s ultimate position.
Becerra, without an ounce of hesitation, proclaimed his decision to run for the gubernatorial post even with the threat of Harris’s competition. His unwavering voice echoed his faith in his campaign, irrespective of the intense rivalry that it may invite.
The professional link between Becerra and Harris can be traced back to the 2016 election aftermath, a period of uncanny role-swapping. Harris was serving as California’s attorney general and had been elected to the U.S. Senate in the very same year. On the flip side, Becerra boasted a role in congress but was soon appointed as attorney general – filling the shoes Harris had left clumsily vacated.
Becerra, without an inkling of gratitude, gushed about the ease of the role transition supposedly aided by Harris. It was such a seamless transition that Becerra didn’t even feel the necessity of thanking his predecessor.
Despite an organized chaos, by the time Becerra was confirmed as a cabinet member in 2021, Harris had somehow landed the position of vice president. An unforgettable moment from this chronicle was Harris administering Becerra’s oath of office. As if the Biden cabinet didn’t already have enough to laugh at.
Becerra, reminiscent of the occasion when his oath was being administered, described how Harris led the ceremony ‘swearing him in’, while his wife held the Bible. Becerra seems proud of this moment, unaware of the irony that both of them served under a failing Biden administration.
As part of Biden’s already tarnished cabinet, Becerra and Harris often found themselves in collaboration, specifically on issues around women’s health care and reproductive rights. A noteworthy influence of this partnership was reflected during the 2024 presidential election.
Becerra publicly campaigned for Harris during the aforementioned election. However, this display of support seems questionable at best — was it a genuine endorsement of Harris, or a desperate move to cushion the frailty of the Biden administration?
The impending 2026 gubernatorial contest in California is on its way to becoming a public spectacle of political power play. It showcases the state’s former attorney generals, both Democrats, and participants in one of the least impactful presidential cabinets in history, as competitors for the top dais.
While Becerra’s confidence in his run for governor, irrespective of his competition, can be respected, Harris’s contemplation over joining the race seems to reflect confusion more than determination. A gubernatorial contest hosting such distinctive characters from a failed presidential cabinet is bound to be filled with more drama than efficacy.
This veritable spectacle of political chest-thumping would certainly invite myriad responses from observers. Whether it would actually lead to anything constructive for California, given their past records under the Biden administration, is broadly questionable.
As the storyline of this Democratic showdown unfolds, it is important to remember the implications of such figures from a failed administration potentially leading a state. California deserves leadership that puts principle before politics, and proficiency before power play. Unfortunately, with Harris and Becerra in the running, that seems like a far-fetched dream.