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Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from California.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Xavier Becerra is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from California. He served as the 25th United States secretary of health and human services from 2021 to 2025, previously served as California’s attorney general from 2017 to 2021, and represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017.

Early life and education

Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, to working-class Mexican-American parents. He attended Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, and later earned a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.

U.S. House of Representatives

Becerra was first elected to Congress in 1992 and served from 1993 to 2017. During his House career, he represented Los Angeles-area districts and held leadership roles, including chairing the House Democratic Caucus from 2013 to 2017.

California attorney general

In 2017, Governor Jerry Brown appointed Becerra California’s attorney general, and he later won election to a full term. He was the first Latino to hold the office.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Becerra was confirmed in 2021 as the 25th secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He was the first Latino to hold that cabinet post.

Key facts

  • First Latino to serve as California attorney general.
  • First Latino to serve as U.S. secretary of health and human services.
  • Represented Los Angeles-based districts in the U.S. House for 12 terms.
  • Served as chair of the House Democratic Caucus from 2013 to 2017.
  • Earned a B.A. in economics and a J.D. from Stanford University.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Xavier Becerra?
Xavier Becerra is an American Democratic politician and lawyer who served as U.S. secretary of health and human services, California attorney general, and a long-serving member of Congress.
What offices has Xavier Becerra held?
He served in the California State Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives, as California attorney general, and as U.S. secretary of health and human services.
Is Xavier Becerra the first Latino to hold any major office?
He was the first Latino to serve as California attorney general and the first Latino to serve as U.S. secretary of health and human services.
What is Xavier Becerra’s educational background?
He earned a B.A. in economics from Stanford University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.
When did Xavier Becerra serve in Congress?
He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017.

References

  1. U.S. Congress — https://www.congress.gov/117/meeting/house/112595/witnesses/HHRG-117-IF14-Bio-BecerraX-20210512.pdf
    Supports: Birth year, education, service as 25th HHS secretary, first Latino to hold the office, and 12 terms in the House.
  2. California Department of Justice — https://oag.ca.gov/history/33becerra
    Supports: Appointment as California attorney general, first Latino in the role, House service, and education.
  3. Office of the Historian, U.S. House of Representatives — https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/9147
    Supports: House service and congressional biography.
  4. Smithsonian Institution Archives — https://siarchives.si.edu/collections/siris_sic_11380
    Supports: Birthplace, education, occupation, and early biography.
  5. Wikiwand — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Xavier_Becerra
    Supports: General biographical overview and office timeline.