Full Breakdown
Scrutiny of Xavier Becerra's Record in California Gubernatorial Race
4/17/2026, 7:43:24 AM
Becerra's Rising Poll Numbers Amid Controversy
Xavier Becerra, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, is gaining traction in the California gubernatorial race, polling at 10% following the withdrawal of former Representative Eric Swalwell amid sexual misconduct allegations. Becerra's campaign has positioned him as an experienced candidate, emphasizing his leadership of one of the largest federal agencies and his management of a budget exceeding that of California itself. However, his tenure at HHS has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his public presence during health crises.
Criticism of Becerra's Tenure at HHS
Becerra's critics have pointed to his low visibility during significant health emergencies, notably the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 monkeypox outbreak. Public health law professor Lawrence Gostin remarked that Becerra's absence from White House COVID briefings and his muted public profile were disappointing, suggesting he lacked a strong grasp of critical health issues. Michael Bustamante, an advisor to Becerra's campaign, defended the Secretary, asserting that he effectively delivered free vaccines and managed responses across all states during both health crises.
Key Controversies Impacting Becerra's Campaign
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Becerra's leadership came in 2023 when HHS reportedly lost contact with over 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children. This incident led to intense criticism, with reports indicating that President Biden expressed frustration over Becerra's handling of the situation. The fallout from this crisis has become a focal point in the gubernatorial race, with rival candidate Antonio Villaraigosa launching attack ads that label Becerra as "not fit to be governor." These ads highlight the missing children report and feature lawmakers describing the situation as "horrendous" and "disturbing."
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the criticisms, Bustamante stated that the attacks on Becerra's record rely on "discredited MAGA talking points," emphasizing that no other candidate in the race can claim the same level of success during Becerra's administration at HHS. He reiterated that Becerra's actions during health crises were effective and that he delivered results for the American public.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Becerra's supporters highlight his achievements in vaccine distribution, critics maintain that his public engagement during health emergencies was insufficient. The discrepancy between these perspectives underscores the contentious nature of his campaign and the varying interpretations of his record at HHS.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Certainly from a public profile point of view he’s been a major disappointment,” — Lawrence Gostin, Public Health Law Professor
- “There’s no one in this race, no one that can say that he didn’t succeed in his administration at the Department of Health,” — Michael Bustamante, Advisor to Becerra's Campaign
- “The buck stops with you.” — Anonymous Lawmaker, regarding the missing children crisis.
