Xavier Becerra faced a setback in his campaign for California governor as former colleagues from the Biden administration declined to support him on Tuesday.
Alejandro Mayorkas, who was in charge of the Department of Homeland Security while Becerra served as Health and Human Services secretary, chose not to endorse him during a recent speech. He remarked, “There are many qualified candidates in the California race,” adding that he feels neutral about the gubernatorial contest at this time.
Mayorkas also noted his position, stating, “my residence is in Washington, D.C., so I won’t be able to satisfactorily answer political questions.” His shift in stance comes as Becerra has recently gained momentum in the polls, positioning himself as a seasoned candidate emphasizing his government experience.
However, skepticism surrounds Becerra’s qualifications, even among his former colleagues. Some Biden administration staffers have anonymously expressed their surprise at his polling position, questioning his competence. Notably, Xochitl Hinojosa, a former Justice Department staff member, stirred controversy earlier this month by admitting he didn’t trust Becerra to effectively confront Republican President Donald Trump, elaborating that many perceived him as lacking capability during his tenure in government.
Mayorkas isn’t the only prominent figure withholding support; former Vice President Kamala Harris has also opted not to publicly endorse Becerra, instead focusing on other candidates in various California races.
Critics have targeted Becerra’s leadership during his time at HHS, particularly regarding his handling of media relations during the COVID-19 pandemic and his response to the migrant child crisis. During his remarks, Mayorkas hinted at the challenges related to the crisis, raising questions on Becerra’s past decisions.
In response, Becerra’s campaign has defended his record at HHS, highlighting the unprecedented rollout of COVID-19 vaccines as a significant achievement. He dismissed any critiques by referencing other Biden administration colleagues who praised his leadership, asserting, “Secretary Becerra was a major force in serving the American people during his time as health secretary, and we will do the same,” according to his advisor Michael Bustamante.
