Politico: Xavier Becerra plots political future after Biden administration
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerras plans to leave the Biden administration and run for California governor are more advanced than previously known with hiring discussions and spending further developed than hes letting on.
Not only has Becerra had conversations over the past weeks about making the move, he or emissaries have approached political firms about standing up a gubernatorial campaign to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026, two people briefed on those discussions told POLITICO.
Becerra, a former longtime member of Congress from Los Angeles and California attorney general, also has spent more than $130,000 over the last year for campaign consultants, activity that has not previously been reported in the media. The political outreach and payments have occurred even as Becerra has continued to state publicly that hes solely focused on his Cabinet job in Washington.
Becerra sidestepped questions about plotting for a gubernatorial run in his home state when initially approached by POLITICO. But he did acknowledge the strict legal parameters hes under in his current role.
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/23/xavier-becerra-biden-administration-future-00153737