Becerra's HHS Record Draws Scrutiny in California Governor's Race

The Democratic candidate touts his federal experience, but critics say his tenure was marked by missteps.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a simple political office desk with a chair, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and introspection.The scrutiny of Xavier Becerra's HHS record casts a long shadow over his campaign for California governor.Today in Sacramento

California gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra is surging in the polls, but his record as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden is now facing fresh scrutiny. Becerra has leaned heavily on his federal experience, but critics say his tenure at HHS was marked by major missteps, including being notably absent from White House COVID briefings and keeping a low public profile during crises like the 2022 monkeypox outbreak.

Why it matters

Becerra's HHS record has become a flashpoint in the California governor's race, with rival Antonio Villaraigosa launching attack ads highlighting issues like the loss of contact with over 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children under Becerra's watch. This raises questions about Becerra's leadership and ability to effectively manage a state government.

The details

During his time as HHS Secretary, Becerra was criticized for his low public profile and lack of a strong grasp on medical and public health issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the monkeypox outbreak. His most heavily criticized episode came in 2023 when HHS lost contact with more than 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children, prompting reports that President Biden 'lashed out' at Becerra over the handling of the crisis.

  • In his first year as HHS Secretary, Becerra was notably absent from White House COVID briefings.
  • During the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, Becerra kept a low public profile and made remarks that sparked backlash from public health experts.
  • In 2023, HHS lost contact with more than 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children under Becerra's watch.

The players

Xavier Becerra

A Democratic candidate for California governor who previously served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A rival candidate in the California governor's race who has launched attack ads criticizing Becerra's record at HHS.

Lawrence Gostin

A Georgetown University public health law professor who criticized Becerra's low public profile and lack of grasp on medical and public health issues during crises.

Michael Bustamante

An advisor to the Becerra campaign who has defended the candidate's record at HHS.

President Joe Biden

The former president under whom Becerra served as HHS Secretary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Certainly from a public profile point of view he's been a major disappointment.”

— Lawrence Gostin, Georgetown University public health law professor

“There are two kinds of people in this world, show horses and work horses. Secretary Becerra is a workhorse that delivered to the people of the United States while he was health secretary, and we'll deliver the same kind of results.”

— Michael Bustamante, Advisor to the Becerra campaign

“The buck stops with you.”

— Unnamed lawmaker

What’s next

The issue of the lost unaccompanied migrant children under Becerra's HHS has become a major point of attack in the California governor's race, with rival Antonio Villaraigosa launching ads criticizing Becerra's handling of the crisis.

The takeaway

Becerra's record as HHS Secretary has emerged as a significant liability in his campaign for California governor, with critics highlighting missteps and failures during his tenure that raise questions about his leadership and ability to effectively manage a state government.