Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is reportedly prepping to depart from the Biden administration after the 2024 general election.
Becerra is considering mounting a run for California governor in 2026 at the end of Gavin Newsom‘s (D) term.
The potential departure was discussed in private conversations between Becerra and Democratic officials and operatives, according to Politico.
Becerra and supporters have had conversations over the past weeks where the secretary and former California attorney general indicated to fellow Democratic officials and operatives that he would leave Washington after the November election and join the crowded field to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in two years.
The people were granted anonymity to describe private conversations, which they characterized as more serious in recent weeks.
Becerra has parked nearly $1.55 million that's usable in the governor's race in a committee for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2030.
On Tuesday, Becerra spoke in San Francisco about the current state of healthcare in the U.S. The HHS secretary was asked by a Politico reporter about his potential plans to run for governor.
“It's a blessing to hear that someone is saying that I'm running for governor because I don't know who they are,” Becerra said. “I am secretary of HHS and, by law, I have to be secretary of HHS and nothing else. So I'm gonna do my job as best I can. It's a thrill, I think my mom would be happy to hear that someone thinks I can run for governor as well.”
The Washington Examiner noted that Becerra's potential departure from the Cabinet if President Joe Biden wins a second term could put the president in a tough nomination battle. Congress could draw out the nomination process for Becerra's replacement, and stunt the beginning of his second term.
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