With family ties to Mexico, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra is positioning himself as the community’s frontrunner in the race to become California’s next governor. Born to a father raised in Tijuana and a mother from Guadalajara, Becerra understands the immigrant journey on a personal level.
Who Is Xavier Becerra?
Xavier Becerra’s father, Manuel Guerrero Becerra, was born in Sacramento but grew up across the border in Tijuana. His mother, María Teresa, emigrated from Jalisco. That bicultural upbringing gives him a unique connection to the binational and Latino communities that are the backbone of the Golden State.
It also exposed him to harsh realities. Becerra recalls how his father faced blatant discrimination upon returning to the United States, as he was once denied service at restaurants displaying signs that read, “No dogs or Mexicans allowed.”
His father worked grueling physical jobs: picking vegetables, canning tomatoes for Campbell’s, repairing railroad cars, and building roads. Through that lens, Becerra says he learned exactly what migrant families endure when they arrive in a new country.
As California’s primary election comes to a close on Tuesday, June 2, voters will decide which candidates advance to the November ballot.
In an interview, Becerra laid out a pragmatic vision for tackling California’s most urgent crises including homelessness.
“I will work very hard with the legislature to expand programs that prevent someone with housing from losing their home simply because they temporarily lost their job or had a medical emergency that wiped out their savings,” Becerra said. “Let’s do everything possible to avoid those Californians who are paying their rent or mortgage but hit a rough patch from ending up on the street. Because then it costs much more money to pick them up, care for them, get them back on their feet, and prepare them to return to work. Let’s be smart, but let’s demand accountability.”
Becerra noted that the optimism of his supporters stems from that genuine connection with the community as people are looking for someone they can trust and someone who won’t let them down.
The Democratic candidate emphasized how crucial San Diego is, insisting that the city deserves a governor whose drive and passion match the energy of its own community.
“The people of San Diego live in a place full of life, indispensable for a prosperous California,” he said. “I love coming here. There are many good things happening, and also many challenges and the people of San Diego are ready for them. They will have a governor who lives up to their readiness and their courage, and that word I love to use: “ganas”. Their courage, determination, and spirit, all in one. That’s what the people of San Diego have, and that’s what I will have as governor.”
Calling San Diego an essential border region, Becerra added: “This area understands that prosperity needs all the people and those people cross borders.” He vowed to boost cross-border trade and strengthen the exchange between the U.S. and Mexico.
As the primary deadline nears, Becerra urged Hispanic voters to make their voices heard.
“This is the time to vote,” he said. “If you want to be the one who makes a difference, if you want to use your vote to decide who California’s leaders will be, use your vote. If you like what’s happening with gas prices, if you like what Donald Trump is doing to our families, don’t vote, and things will stay the same. But if you want change, if you want better leadership, a state and a country that represent you, go out and vote.”
Becerra Leads in Latest Polls
The Hill notes that Becerra’s momentum has grown considerably in recent weeks, driven by a campaign centered on his track record: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden, four years as California Attorney General, and twelve terms on the House Ways and Means Committee.
According to a recent poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times, Becerra holds 25% support among voters, ahead of Republican Steve Hilton at 21% and Democrat Tom Steyer at 19%.
