Democrat Xavier Becerra on Wednesday launched a run for governor of California, potentially pitting himself against former Vice President Kamala Harris. California voters in 2026 race will select a governor to succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom,

Xavier Becerra, who previously served as California attorney general, joined a growing field of Democrats running next year to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his candidacy on Wednesday. "California is at a crossroads. From housing to healthcare, childcare to college, working families are facing an affordability crisis.