Xavier Becerra, the former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has officially declared his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. During an interview on the statewide political news program The Issue Is, Becerra made it clear that he is undeterred by the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris entering the race, emphasizing that he is fully committed to his campaign.
“It makes no difference to me who’s in or not,” Becerra asserted. “I’m in. That’s it. I’m in,” the 67-year-old former congressman and California Attorney General said, offering a confident and firm stance on his bid for the governor’s office.
Becerra, who has a long track record in California politics, serving as a 12-term Democratic congressman and attorney general, is determined to push forward with his gubernatorial aspirations, regardless of who may enter the Democratic field. Despite Harris’ potential interest in running for governor, Becerra stated that he has not been in communication with her about the race, noting that their last conversation took place in January.
Kamala Harris, 60, has reportedly been weighing her options for her next political move after her failed 2024 presidential bid. According to sources, Harris is seriously considering a run for California governor, aiming to succeed the term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. The decision on whether she will officially enter the 2026 race is expected to be made by the end of the summer, as reported by Politico.
While Becerra remains unfazed by Harris’ potential candidacy, others in the race have shown more flexibility. Former Rep. Katie Porter, who has also announced her gubernatorial campaign, has suggested that she would reconsider her bid if Harris decides to run. Porter, during an appearance on Pod Save America, remarked that Harris’ entry into the race would likely lead to a “near clearing field effect.” Porter also indicated that it would be “disrespectful” not to recognize Harris as an incredibly formidable candidate.
In his campaign announcement video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), Becerra expressed his motivation for running for governor, emphasizing his personal connection to the California Dream. “I watched my parents, a construction worker and a clerical worker, achieve the California dream,” Becerra said, reflecting on his working-class upbringing. He argued that California’s current affordability crisis has made it more difficult for residents to achieve the same success his family did, and he pledged to work toward “rebuilding the California dream.”
As Becerra moves forward with his gubernatorial campaign, the dynamics of the Democratic primary are expected to become more complex, especially with the potential entry of Kamala Harris. The race could quickly become one of the most high-profile political battles in the country, with multiple high-ranking Democrats vying for the state’s top office.
READ NEXT: HHS Secretary Gives Troubling Response On Unaccompanied Alien Children
Oh Lord, help the California voters to see the light and not get another democrit nobody for a governor.