Former U.S. Health Secretary and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is the latest Democrat to enter the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2028, joining seven other Democrats and one Republican — a flush field that could be upended should former Vice President Kamala Harris decide to run.

Former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra announced Wednesday that he’s running to be California’s next governor – and that he won’t step aside if Kamala Harris enters the race.

Another prominent Democrat has thrown his name into the 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California's governor.