Xavier Becerra, a son of Mexican immigrants, is the front-runner to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in California. At a Los Angeles event earlier this year, Hispanic leaders celebrated the possibility of Becerra becoming the state's first Latino governor since 1875. Becerra, however, has downplayed the historical significance, stating that identity has never fueled his campaigns for office or public service. He is an overwhelming favorite to defeat Republican Steve Hilton, endorsed by former President Trump, in the November election.
Born in 1958 in Sacramento, Becerra grew up with a father in construction and a mother who was a clerical worker. He earned a scholarship to Stanford University, where he met his wife, Dr. Carolina Reyes. After serving in the State Legislature, he was elected to the House in 1992, spending over two decades in Congress. He previously served as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was the fourth-ranking Democrat. In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown appointed him as California's attorney general.
Critics and supporters alike view the potential election as a watershed moment. It comes 32 years after Governor Pete Wilson's 1994 re-election campaign, which featured anti-immigrant rhetoric. While some Latino leaders rose to power through street activism, Becerra built his career as a mild-mannered insider in the halls of power. His campaign represents a rejection of Wilson's legacy as the Latino population has grown to dominate state leadership roles.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing