Xavier Becerra Leads California Governor Primary Polls After 2020 Cabinet Rise

9 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 31

Xavier Becerra has moved into the lead ahead of California’s gubernatorial primary, extending an unexpected political comeback after serving as Joe Biden’s health secretary.
2020 marked his surprise elevation to the Cabinet, when he secured the HHS post after other contenders dropped out despite being little known to Biden.
Becerra kept a relatively low profile while leading the federal health agency through the pandemic, a tenure that still left him divided from some Biden-era colleagues.
The polling lead now puts a once-overlooked national appointee in position to translate federal experience into front-runner status in the nation’s largest state.

From a low-profile cabinet member to a frontrunner, is his leadership style truly right for California?

After his top aide stole campaign funds, can he be trusted to manage California's massive state budget?

Why do former colleagues offer such sharply conflicting views on his leadership during his time in Washington?