Xavier Becerra, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, has outlined his plans to address the housing crisis, expand healthcare, and protect immigrant rights in the upcoming election.
Xavier Becerra, the current California Attorney General and a prominent Democratic candidate for governor, has made tackling the state’s severe housing crisis a central focus of his campaign. He proposes declaring a state of emergency for housing immediately upon taking office.
“There are currently about 40,000 housing units that are shovel-ready. They just lack the financing. I will immediately work with the legislature to see if we can find the resources that would let us have those projects move forward,” Becerra stated during a press briefing organized by the American Community Media (ACoM) on May 27.
Recent polls indicate that Becerra and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, are the frontrunners in California’s highly competitive gubernatorial race, which features 61 candidates. The primaries are scheduled for June 2.
As part of his housing emergency plan, Becerra aims to freeze utility rates and home insurance premiums, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding rising costs and policy cancellations.
Addressing California’s homelessness crisis, Becerra expressed a commitment to prevention and accountability. He plans to demand documented outcomes from cities and counties that receive state funding for services aimed at helping the homeless.
“It costs so much more money to pick someone off the street than trying to help someone who’s on the verge of losing their home stay in it,” he said. “Whether it’s because of a medical emergency or loss of a job, I’m going to do everything I can to keep them housed rather than see them become homeless.”
On the topic of healthcare, Becerra firmly denied any claims that he has softened his support for a single-payer healthcare system. He reiterated his commitment to healthcare for all, highlighting his role in drafting, passing, and defending President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. As Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, he has worked to cap prices for medications like insulin, negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare, and expand coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
“I believe the most efficient way to deliver care is to remove as many of the middlemen and unnecessary moving parts in the healthcare system,” Becerra said. He emphasized that while progress towards Medicare for all has been challenging, it remains a goal worth pursuing.
Becerra also pledged to protect healthcare access for undocumented immigrants, stating, “If you’re working hard, you deserve to have access to the healthcare that you need.” He pointed out that if three million Californians were to lose their Medi-Cal coverage, they would still seek healthcare, often resorting to emergency rooms, which are the most expensive option for treatment.
When asked about a recent Trump administration policy memo that could complicate the green card application process, Becerra labeled it “un-American” and disruptive. He argued that such policies unfairly target immigrants who meet the qualifications to remain in the country.
“Immigrant families are some of the most successful Americans in the country and they have created millions of jobs,” he said, vowing to fight against any policies that threaten their status.
Criticizing the federal immigration crackdown, Becerra described the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Trump as a “mercenary force” that violates the rights of U.S. citizens. If elected, he promised to ensure that immigrant families know they are protected.
“I’ll do it not just because I’ve done it as attorney general, but because I know what it feels like as a son of immigrants when your rights are not respected,” he said.
Despite his strong platform, Becerra faces a challenge in garnering endorsements from the Democratic Party establishment, which has yet to endorse any candidate for governor. Notably, outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and President Biden have refrained from backing any candidate, as has Vice President Kamala Harris.
Becerra has received support from several local South Asian leaders, including Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbi Singh Allen, San Carlos Mayor Pranita Venkatesh, and San Mateo Deputy Mayor Nicole Fernandez. However, Congressman Ro Khanna and Assemblymember Ash Kalra have endorsed fellow candidate Tom Steyer.
Distinguishing himself from billionaire candidate Tom Steyer, who has run one of the most expensive campaigns in California history, Becerra emphasized his grassroots support from working families, including teachers, nurses, and union workers. “It’s people like teachers and nurses and union workers who are supporting this campaign and helping us fuel us to victory,” he stated.
Becerra also addressed allegations from Steyer regarding corporate funding for independent expenditure committees supporting his campaign. He defended his record, noting his legal battles against the fossil fuel industry and his efforts to uphold environmental protections during his tenure as attorney general.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Becerra shared his story as the son of immigrant parents in Sacramento. His father was a union worker with limited education, and his mother immigrated to the U.S. with just $12. Becerra was the first in his family to attend college.
“Working hard should be enough to help you build something that lasts,” he said. “We have to restore those days when people would come to California believing that if they worked hard, they could accomplish much more for their kids.”
This article is supported by an American Community Media fellowship, according to India Currents.