Becerra weighs exit from Biden administration for California gubernatorial bid

[BumRushDaShow]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Omaha Steve (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Politico

04/09/2024 08:48 PM EDT


SACRAMENTO, California — Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is considering leaving the Biden administration to mount a run for California governor in 2026, people briefed on his deliberations told POLITICO. Becerra and supporters have had conversations over the past weeks where the secretary and former California attorney general indicated to fellow Democratic officials and operatives that he would leave Washington after the November election and join the crowded field to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in two years.

The people were granted anonymity to describe private conversations, which they characterized as more serious in recent weeks.Becerra has parked nearly $1.55 million that’s usable in the governor’s race in a committee for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2030.

He spoke at an event Tuesday in San Francisco about the state of healthcare in the U.S. “I miss California,” Becerra said at the start of a talk at Manny’s in the Mission, a watering hole for political types. Becerra later smiled and nodded silently when someone in the audience yelled “governor!” as he paused between questions. When asked by POLITICO after the event if he planned to run, Becerra sidestepped the question.

“It’s a blessing to hear that someone is saying that I’m running for governor because I don’t know who they are,” Becerra said. “I am secretary of HHS and, by law, I have to be secretary of HHS and nothing else. So I’m gonna do my job as best I can. It’s a thrill, I think my mom would be happy to hear that someone thinks I can run for governor as well,” he said. When pressed, Becerra said he wasn’t making calls to supporters and then an aide abruptly cut off the questioning.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/09/biden-cabinet-secretary-california-governors-race-00151407

[brush]

1. Is Gov. Newsom not expected to run?

They're both Democrats. What's up?

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Newsom is in his 2nd term (re-elected in 2022) and is term-limited.

[brush]

7. Thanks. I didn't know California govs are limited to two terms.

[onetexan]

8. Newsom is potus material. 2 terms governor of CA is plenty of experience to prep him for the highest office.

[brush]

9. He'd be a great potus. Dems will have a challenge in '28 as we have a great bench.

[BumRushDaShow]

10. And he has been "practicing"

by getting into the national spotlight.

[quaint]

3. I truly hope not.

I was born in SoCal and have lived here all but five of my 74 years.

[JI7]

4. Why not ?

Who do you prefer ?

[quaint]

6. We are still a 1000 days out, but if I had to choose today...

Eleni Kounalakis or Betty Yee.

This is a Democratic site and my personal opinion of Becerra is personal, however I can refer you to 2001 Los Angeles mayoral election.

Why have you decided so early?

[NanaCat]

5. WTF?

Newsom is term-limited and can't run in 2026. Becerra is a fantastic Democrat, with decades of government experience. He'll be a great governor.

[Omaha Steve]

11. AFTER a review by forum hosts LOCKING

No final decision has been made. Not LBN.