Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra is the secretary for health and human services under US President Joe Biden. He previously served as the attorney general for California. He was also a member of the US House of Representatives for California’s 34^th district from 1993 to 2017.

As chair of the Democratic Caucus, Becerra wielded a strong voice in House Democratic leadership, helping to set priorities and drive the legislative decision making process. He dedicated himself to promoting issues affecting industries critical to the economic vitality of the Southern California region such as health care, high technology, entertainment, and stimulating free, yet fair, trade.

The first Latino to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, Becerra used his position to increase opportunities for working families, to improve the Social Security program for women and minorities, to combat poverty among the working poor, and to strengthen Medicare and ensure its long-term viability. He served on the Social Security Subcommittee. In 2010, Becerra served on the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

Becerra was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he served as chair during the 105th Congress (1997-98). He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Prior to his election to Congress, Becerra served one term in the California Legislature as the representative of the 59th Assembly District in Los Angeles County. He is a former deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice. Becerra began his legal career in 1984 working in a legal services office representing the mentally ill. Becerra earned his BA in economics from Stanford University. He was awarded his JD from Stanford Law School in 1984.

 

Becerra is currently on leave from the Dialogue until the end of his term.

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