Xavier Becerra

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Xavier Becerra, Robert Matsui, and Elijah Cummings at a press conference on civil rights

President Bill Clinton, Tipper Gore, and Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra by Gage Skidmore

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First Lady Jill Biden with Secretary Becerra and Secretary McDonough

Xavier Becerra is an American politician and lawyer serving as the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services since March 2021 under President Joe Biden. Born on January 26, 1958, in Sacramento, California, Becerra is the first Latino to hold the office in the history of the United States. Before his current role, he had a long and distinguished career in the United States Congress, representing parts of Los Angeles in the United States House of Representatives for 24 years, from 1993 to 2017. Becerra was also the Attorney General of California from January 2017 until he was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Early Life and Education

Xavier Becerra was born to working-class immigrants from Mexico, which deeply influenced his political and professional ethos. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Stanford University in 1980 and his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1984. After completing his education, Becerra worked as a lawyer before entering politics.

Political Career

Becerra's political career began in the California State Assembly, where he served from 1990 to 1992. He then moved to the federal level, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992. During his tenure in Congress, Becerra was known for his work on issues related to health care, social justice, and immigration. He was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and served as its chair for a term.

In 2017, Becerra was appointed as the Attorney General of California by Governor Jerry Brown, succeeding Kamala Harris who had been elected to the U.S. Senate. As Attorney General, Becerra was active in litigation against the Trump administration, filing numerous lawsuits on a variety of issues including immigration, environmental policies, and health care.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

On December 7, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced his nomination of Becerra to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. He was confirmed by the Senate on March 18, 2021. As Secretary, Becerra plays a crucial role in the Biden administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on vaccine distribution, public health initiatives, and the expansion of health care access.

Personal Life

Becerra is married to Dr. Carolina Reyes, and they have three daughters. He is known for his advocacy on behalf of the Latino community and is a prominent voice in national discussions on health care, immigration, and civil rights.

Legacy and Impact

Xavier Becerra's career is marked by a series of historic achievements, particularly for the Latino community in the United States. His role as the first Latino Secretary of Health and Human Services underscores the increasing diversity of the country's political and leadership landscape. Through his various public service roles, Becerra has been a staunch advocate for underrepresented communities, working tirelessly to ensure equitable access to health care, protect immigrant rights, and promote social justice.