History of Xavier Becerra in Timeline

Xavier Becerra is an American attorney and politician. He served as the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from March 2021 to January 2025. Prior to this role, Becerra was the Attorney General of California from January 2017 until March 2021. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

August 2020: Kamala Harris Selected as Vice Presidential Running Mate

In August 2020, Kamala Harris was selected by Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate. Following Biden's victory, Xavier Becerra was considered as a potential replacement for Harris in the Senate.

February 2024: Becerra Considers Run for Governor

In February 2024, Politico reported that Xavier Becerra was considering running for governor of California in the 2026 election and that he or affiliated individuals had approached a political consulting firm, potentially violating the Hatch Act.

2024: Criticism for Suspected Campaign Finance Violations

In 2024, Xavier Becerra faced criticism for paying $10,000 a month for campaign reporting from a dormant state account, a possible Hatch Act violation. He claimed the expenditures were for account maintenance, but political experts deemed this a very high cost.

April 2, 2025: Becerra Declares Candidacy for Governor

On April 2, 2025, Xavier Becerra officially declared his candidacy for the California gubernatorial election in 2026.

2025: Reported Scheme of Misappropriated Campaign Funds

In 2025, Politico reported a scheme where Xavier Becerra's aides siphoned $225,000 from his campaign accounts over two years. Although Becerra was not directly accused, he faced scrutiny for not knowing about the situation until federal investigators intervened.