Xavier Becerra's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Xavier Becerra. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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, becoming the first Latino to hold that position. Prior to this, he was the Attorney General of California from 2017 to 2021. Becerra also served as a U.S. Representative for downtown Los Angeles from 1993 to 2017 and chaired the House Democratic Caucus from 2013 to 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2012: Rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America

In 2012, Xavier Becerra received a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

January 24, 2017: Becerra Sworn in as Attorney General

On January 24, 2017, Xavier Becerra was sworn in as California's attorney general, becoming the first Latino to serve in the role.

May 2017: Crackdown on the Sureño gang in Merced County

In May 2017, as part of a broader anti-gang initiative, Becerra's California Department of Justice conducted a crackdown on the Sureño gang and its connections to the Mexican Mafia in Merced County.

June 2017: Operation against the Sureño gang in San Bernardino County

In June 2017, Becerra's California Department of Justice conducted an operation against the Sureño gang in San Bernardino County, as part of a broader anti-gang initiative.

November 2017: Efforts focused on members of the Mexican mafia and drug cartels

In November 2017, Becerra's California Department of Justice focused its anti-gang efforts on members of the Mexican mafia and drug cartels across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.

December 2017: Takedown of gangs in Stockton

In December 2017, Becerra's California Department of Justice oversaw the takedown of gangs including the MOB, Flyboys, East Coast Crips, and others in Stockton.

August 2018: Operation targeting the MS-13 gang

In August 2018, Becerra's office conducted an operation targeting the MS-13 gang in the Central Valley and beyond.

October 2018: Dismantling Riverside County's largest criminal street gang

In October 2018, Becerra oversaw a major operation dismantling Riverside County's largest criminal street gang.

June 4, 2019: Arrest of Naasón Joaquín García

On June 4, 2019, Becerra announced the arrest of Naasón Joaquín García, leader of La Luz Del Mundo, and co-defendants, charged with human trafficking, child pornography production, and forcible rape of a minor, with crimes allegedly committed between 2015 and 2018.

July 31, 2019: Legal Victory in Shasta Dam Project

On July 31, 2019, Xavier Becerra achieved a legal victory when a Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction to stop Westlands Water District's involvement in a project to raise the Shasta Dam.

September 13, 2019: Charges Filed in Statewide Sex Trafficking Ring

On September 13, 2019, Becerra announced charges against Jing Chiang Huang, Shu Mei Lin, and others for involvement in a statewide organized crime ring engaged in sex trafficking, tax fraud, and money laundering, alleging that between 2015 and 2019, they committed 13 felonies related to sex trafficking.

November 2019: Led Coalition to Defend DACA

In November 2019, Becerra led a coalition of 21 attorneys general to defend DACA against the Trump Administration's attempt to terminate it.

December 2019: Operation against the Country Boy Crips

In December 2019, Becerra's office focused on the Country Boy Crips in south Bakersfield with a significant operation.

January 17, 2020: Execution of "Operation Blocc Buster"

On January 17, 2020, Becerra and Riverside Police chief Larry Gonzalez announced the execution of "Operation Blocc Buster," which led to the arrest of 15 individuals and the seizure of 14 firearms, methamphetamine and cocaine from the Casa Blanca Gangster Crips street gang.

May 11, 2020: Preliminary Injunction Secured Against Trump Administration

On May 11, 2020, Becerra secured a preliminary injunction in the lawsuit against the Trump Administration for unlawfully expanding water export operations in the Central Valley.

June 2020: Supreme Court upholds DACA

In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the DACA policy, marking a victory for Dreamers, with Becerra and the California Department of Justice playing a pivotal role.

October 2020: Protecting the Redwood City Salt Ponds

In October 2020, Becerra secured a legal victory protecting the Redwood City Salt Ponds, vital to the San Francisco Bay's ecosystem, from urban development by defending the U.S. District Court's ruling against the EPA's exclusion of the Salt Ponds from the Clean Water Act.

December 9, 2020: Joined Antitrust Lawsuit Against Facebook

On December 9, 2020, it was reported that Becerra's office joined 47 other states and the Federal Trade Commission in an antitrust lawsuit against Facebook, Inc.

March 18, 2021: Becerra Confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services

On March 18, 2021, Becerra was confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of Health and Human Services in a vote of 50–49.

March 19, 2021: Becerra Becomes Secretary of Health and Human Services

On March 19, 2021, Xavier Becerra became the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is the first Latino to hold the position.

June 17, 2021: Supreme Court Ruling in California v. Texas

On June 17, 2021, as Attorney General of California, Becerra led the multistate lawsuit to defend the Affordable Care Act (ACA), culminating in the Supreme Court ruling in California v. Texas.

2023: Finalized negotiations for 10 high-cost drugs

In 2023, Becerra and HHS finalized negotiations for 10 high-cost drugs, including Eliquis, Jardiance, and Xarelto, achieving discounts of 38% to 79%. These lower prices, effective in 2026, would have saved Medicare $6 billion in 2023 alone.