EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 20 MIN
Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Makes His Case for Governor of California | 13th and Park
from 13th & Park · host Ballard Partners
Send us Fan MailXavier Becerra, former California Attorney General, HHS Secretary, and 12-term Congressman, joins 13th and Park for a wide-ranging conversation on his campaign to become Governor of California. Running to be the first Latino elected governor in the state's history, Becerra makes the case that his experience confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiating drug prices, and defending California against federal overreach sets him apart in a crowded field.Becerra reflects on the defining moments of his public service career, from taking on the Trump administration as Attorney General to leading the Department of Health and Human Services through the worst pandemic in a century. He shares the personal story behind his decision to enter the governor's race, crediting his wife and his parents as the foundation of everything he wants to fight for as governor.On the campaign trail, Becerra says Californians are asking the same basic questions: Can I afford to fill my gas tank? Can I buy a house? Will healthcare bankrupt my family? He outlines a healthcare vision centered on integrated care, preventive wellness, and treating healthcare as a right, pointing to his track record negotiating up to 79% discounts on prescription drugs for Medicare as proof of what is possible.The conversation also covers the reshuffling of the governor's race following Eric Swalwell's exit, the historic significance of potentially becoming the first Latino governor in 150 years, and what Becerra sees as the deeper contrast between the California his parents built their lives in and the one too many families are struggling to access today.Chapters0:00 Intro1:28 Welcome and Shared History2:04 Career Lessons and Public Service3:25 Running HHS During COVID5:01 The Decision to Run for Governor7:55 What Californians Are Worried About9:14 The Race Reshuffles After Swalwell12:12 Restoring the California Way of Life13:11 Growing Up in Sacramento15:15 Healthcare Vision for California17:25 Negotiating Drug Prices at HHS18:38 Historic Significance of the Race20:25 Closing ThoughtsFollow Us!X: https://x.com/13thandParkIG: https://www.instagram.com/13th_and_park/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/13thandparkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@13th_and_parkFollow Xavier BecerraX: https://x.com/XavierBecerraIG: https://www.instagram.com/becerraforgovernor/#xavierbecerra #californiagovernor #californiapolitics #governorrace2026 #californiadream #healthcarepolicy #hhs #latinoleadership #californiaaffordability #democraticprimary #13thandpark #politicalpodcast #adampodcast #californiaprimary #costoflivingcalifornia #publicservice #californiaelectionAbout 13th and Park:13th and Park is a dynamic media platform produced by Ballard Partners. We bring you insightful discussions, expert interviews, and in-depth analysis on key issues shaping industries, policy, and business trends. Our content features thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers exploring topics ranging from policy influence, business innovation, trade regulations, and more.Subscribe to stay updated on the latest videos, exclusive interviews, and expert insights shaping the future of business, policy, and public affairs.
What this episode covers
Send us Fan Mail Xavier Becerra, former California Attorney General, HHS Secretary, and 12-term Congressman, joins 13th and Park for a wide-ranging conversation on his campaign to become Governor of California. Running to be the first Latino elected governor in the state's history, Becerra makes the case that his experience confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiating drug prices, and defending California against federal overreach sets him apart in a crowded field. Becerra reflects on the ...
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Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Makes His Case for Governor of California | 13th and Park
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