Xavier Becerra (born January 26, 1958) is an American politician and attorney who has served as the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) since 2021. A long-serving public official from California, Becerra represented parts of Los Angeles in Congress for more than two decades before becoming California's Attorney General and later joining the presidential cabinet. His work spans health policy, civil rights, consumer protection and immigration enforcement matters.
Early life and education
Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, to immigrant parents and raised in Southern California. He pursued higher education and earned degrees in liberal arts and law before entering public life. His upbringing as a first-generation American and legal training have been central to his public-policy priorities, particularly on access to legal and health services for underserved communities.
Legislative career
From 1993 until 2017 Becerra served in the United States House of Representatives, where his district included Downtown Los Angeles and other diverse neighborhoods. He rose through House leadership and served as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, reflecting his seniority within the Democratic Party. During his congressional tenure he was active on a range of issues, including health-care legislation, immigrant rights and federal funding for urban communities.
Attorney General of California
In 2017 Becerra became Attorney General of California after being selected to succeed Kamala Harris, who had been elected to the United States Senate. As state attorney general he led a large legal office and frequently coordinated multistate actions on matters such as consumer protection, environmental regulations and federal immigration policies. His office often brought or joined litigation challenging federal administrative actions and defending state laws.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
On December 6, 2020 President-elect Joe Biden nominated Becerra to serve as Secretary of HHS. The Senate confirmed his nomination on March 18, 2021 by a narrow vote. In this cabinet role he is responsible for overseeing major federal health programs and agencies that influence public health, medical research and health-care financing, and for coordinating federal responses to public-health emergencies.
Policy priorities and approach
Becerra's public record shows a focus on expanding and protecting access to health care, defending civil and immigrant rights, and enforcing consumer protections. As HHS secretary he has emphasized strengthening public-health infrastructure, supporting equitable access to care, and coordinating with state and local authorities on vaccination, prevention and health equity efforts. His background as both a legislator and a state chief law officer informs a managerial approach that combines regulatory oversight with legal strategy.
Confirmation and public reception
His confirmation vote in the Senate was closely divided, reflecting partisan disagreement over policy and administrative priorities as well as questions raised during hearings about his record. Supporters highlighted his experience in Congress and as state attorney general; critics focused on specific enforcement decisions and management questions. Since taking office he has worked with federal agencies and stakeholders on pandemic response, health-care access and regulatory priorities.
Notable facts
- Becerra was the first Latino to serve as Attorney General of California.
- He represented a diverse and densely populated Los Angeles district for more than twenty years in Congress.
- His nomination to lead HHS was announced in December 2020 and confirmed in March 2021.
Becerra's career illustrates the overlap between legal practice and legislative policymaking in contemporary American public life. For further information on his legislative service, see his entries regarding the U.S. House, his tenure as California Attorney General, and his cabinet role at HHS. Additional material about his party affiliation and leadership roles is available through the Democratic Party and the House Democratic Caucus, and contemporary reports on his nomination and confirmation are linked to the Biden transition and actions by the Senate.
Readers seeking official biographies, statements or press releases may consult institutional pages and reputable news outlets for updates on policy actions and initiatives undertaken while he serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services.