Xavier Becerra, who served as California attorney general, joined a growing field of Democrats running next year to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Former Biden administration Health Secretary Xavier Becerra is the latest Democrat to join the crowded field seeking to become California's next governor.

Former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra announced Wednesday that he’s running to be California’s next governor – and that he won’t step aside if Kamala Harris enters the race. “It makes no difference to me who’s in or not,” Becerra said during an interview with “The Issue Is,” a statewide California political news show.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Democrat Xavier Becerra on Wednesday launched a run for governor of California, potentially pitting himself against former Vice President Kamala Harris. California voters in 2026 race will select a governor to succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom, who has held the post since 2019 but cannot run for re-election due to term limits.

After Xavier Becerra announced Wednesday he is running for California governor, former Biden administration Health Secretary said he joined the already crowded field of candidates to protect the rights of every Californian,

The former state attorney general plans on making his decadeslong political resume a central selling point in his campaign.

Xavier Becerra, a Sacramento native, also became the first Latino secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2021.