Xavier Becerra

Office sought: Governor
Party: Democratic
Ballot designation: Former U.S. Health secretary, former state attorney general

Background

Career. Below is an abbreviated outline of Becerra’s academic, professional, and political career: [3] 2021-2025: U.S. secretary of health and human services 2017-2021: Attorney general of California 2013-2017: U.S. representative from California’s 34th Congressional District 2003-2013: U.S. representative from California’s 31st Congressional District 1993-2003: U.S. representative from California’s 30th Congressional District 1990-1992: California State Assembly 1987-1990: Deputy attorney general of California 1986: Staff for California Sen. Art Torres (D) 1984: Graduated from Stanford University School of Law with J.D. 1980: Graduated from Stanford University with B.A.

Personal. Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update. Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography. Becerra and his wife, Carolina, have two children.

Congressional tenure. Congressional career info (click to expand)

Lifetime voting record. See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives According to the website GovTrack, Becerra missed 1,010 of 15,140 roll call votes from January 1993 to September 2015. This amounted to 6.7 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015. [130]

2013. Becerra ranked 35th in the liberal rankings in 2013. [132]

2012. Becerra ranked 20th in the liberal rankings in 2012. [133]

2011. Becerra ranked 58th in the liberal rankings in 2011. [134]

Voting with party. The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014. Becerra voted with the Democratic Party 95.7 percent of the time, which ranked 12th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014. [135]

2013. Becerra voted with the Democratic Party 97.0 percent of the time, which ranked 27th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013. [136]

Prior offices and election history

2026

See also: California gubernatorial election, 2026 California gubernatorial election, 2026 (June 2 top-two primary) General election The primary will occur on June 2, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary. Nonpartisan primary election Nonpartisan primary for Governor of California The following candidates are running in the primary for Governor of California on June 2, 2026. Candidate Akinyemi Agbede (D) Mohammad Arif (D) Submit photo James Athans Jr. (R) Submit photo Larry D. Azevedo (D) Submit photo Naomi Bar-Lev (No party preference) Xavier Becerra (D) Chad Bianco (R) Carolina Buhler (D) Submit photo Joseph Cabrera (No party preference) Submit photo Elaine Culotti (No party preference) Submit photo Louis De Barraicua (D) Patricia De Luca Basualdo (R) Submit photo LivingForGod DeMott (No party preference) Submit photo Randeep Dhillon (R) Submit photo Sophia Edum-a-Sam (D) Serge Fiankan (No party preference) Submit photo Lukasz Filinski (No party preference) Max Fomin (No party preference) Derek Grasty (D) Don Grundmann (No party preference) Submit photo Jon Henderson (No party preference) Lewis Herms (No party preference) Submit photo Rafael Hernandez (R) Steve Hilton (R) Joel Jacob (D) Submit photo Dawit Kellel (No party preference) Submit photo Gary Kidgell (D) Anne Komarovsk (No party preference) Submit photo Alicia Lapp (R) Submit photo Matthew Levy (D) Submit photo Duane Loynes Jr. (No party preference) Matt Mahan (D) Amanda Martin (No party preference) Submit photo Brent Maupin (No party preference) Daniel Mercuri (No party preference) Submit photo Leo Naranjo IV (R) Tim Nelson (R) Mauro Alberto Orozco (No party preference) Thunder Parley (D) Katie Porter (D) Raji Rab (D) Submit photo Satish Rao (D) Ramsey Robinson (Peace and Freedom Party) Reza Safarnejad (No party preference) Submit photo Sam Sandak (No party preference) Christine Sarmiento (No party preference) Frederic Schultz (No party preference) Barack D. Obama Shaw (D) Submit photo Scott Shields (D) Submit photo Gretha Solórzano (R) Thomas Steyer (D) Eric Swalwell (D) (Unofficially withdrew) Tony Thurmond (D) Submit photo Margaret Trowe (No party preference) Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Tom Woodard (L) Betty Yee (D) (Unofficially withdrew) Nancy Young (No party preference) Leo Zacky (R) Submit photo Erin Zezulak (D) Submit photo David Zickefoose (R) Butch Ware (G) (Write-in) There are no incumbents in this race. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. Withdrawn or disqualified candidates Ché Ahn (R) Leonard Jackson (No party preference) Kyle Langford (R) Ebony Taylor (R) Toni Atkins (D) Sharifah Hardie (R) Eleni Kounalakis (D) Ethan Agarwal (D) Brandon Jones (R) Jesse Alberti (No party preference) Javen Allen (No party preference) Nicholas Thompson (L) George Slivka (D) Jon Slavet (R) Tony Fitzpatrick (No party preference) Ian Charles Calderon (D) Michael Younger (D)

2026 — Endorsements

Becerra received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here . U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D) U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros (D) U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D) San Bernadino Young Democrats Amy Maccc’s Voting Picks (Sway voting group by Amy McDonald) CalMatters Voter Guide (Sway voting group by CalMatters) California Faculty Association’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by California Faculty Association) California Professional Firefighters’ Voting Group (Sway voting group by California Professional Firefighters) California Young Democrats’ Voting Group (Sway voting group by California Young Democrats) CrowdSourceCarrie Voting Group (Sway voting group by CrowdSourceCarrie) Daily Elmlings (Sway voting group by Ariella Elm) Democrats Work for America Election Day is Every Tuesday (Sway voting group by Ariella Elm) EllieSO - Valley Girl Vote (Sway voting group by EllieSO) Equality California’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by Equality California) Fullerton Observer’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by Fullerton Observer) Hot Girls Organize (Sway voting group by Hot Girls Organize) Jc Frias Real Talk Voter Guide (Sway voting group by JC Frias) KQED Voter Guide (Sway voting group by KQED) KaitlynDoesPolitics (Sway voting group by Kaitlyn Hennessy) Legalmiga’s Legit Picks (Sway voting group by Taylor Tieman (@legalmiga)) Minna’s Voter Guide (Sway voting group by Minna Lee Jamison) New Deal Dems (Sway voting group by Hunter Dunn) One Vote at Time (Sway voting group by Derek Padilla-Ravega) Pragmatic Progressives (Sway voting group by Nathan Jun) Rick’s Picks (Sway voting group by Rick Raushenbush) SEIU California’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by SEIU California) SEIU Local 1021’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by SEIU Local 1021) SEIU Local 521’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by SEIU Local 521) SEIU Local 99’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by SEIU Local 99) San Francisco Young Democrats’ Voting Group (Sway voting group by San Francisco Young Democrats) The Gay Liberal Voting Group (Sway voting group by Ricky Longoria) UFCW Western States Council’s Voting Group (Sway voting group by UFCW Western States Council) Yaysayers (Sway voting group by Eric Say More) iVoterGuide California (Sway voting group by iVoterGuide)

2018

See also: California Attorney General election, 2018 General election General election for Attorney General of California Incumbent Xavier Becerra defeated Steven C. Bailey in the general election for Attorney General of California on November 6, 2018. Candidate % Votes ✔ Xavier Becerra (D) 63.6 7,790,743 Steven C. Bailey (R) 36.4 4,465,587 Incumbents are bolded and underlined . The results have been certified. Source Total votes: 12,256,330 (100.00% precincts reporting) = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. Nonpartisan primary election Nonpartisan primary for Attorney General of California Incumbent Xavier Becerra and Steven C. Bailey defeated Dave Jones and Eric Early in the primary for Attorney General of California on June 5, 2018. Candidate % Votes ✔ Xavier Becerra (D) 45.8 3,024,611 ✔ Steven C. Bailey (R) 24.5 1,615,859 Dave Jones (D) 15.4 1,017,427 Eric Early (R) 14.3 943,071 Incumbents are bolded and underlined . The results have been certified. Total votes: 6,600,968 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: California’s 34th Congressional District election, 2016 Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Xavier Becerra (D) defeated Adrienne Nicole Edwards (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Both candidates advanced past the top-two primary on June 7, 2016, by default. [27] [28] U.S. House, California District 34 General Election, 2016 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra Incumbent 77.2% 122,842 Democratic Adrienne Nicole Edwards 22.8% 36,314 Total Votes 159,156 Source: California Secretary of State U.S. House, California District 34 General Primary, 2016 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra Incumbent 78.6% 71,982 Democratic Adrienne Nicole Edwards 21.4% 19,624 Total Votes 91,606 Source: California Secretary of State

2014

See also: California’s 34th Congressional District elections, 2014 Becerra won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He and Adrienne Nicole Edwards (D) advanced past the blanket primary on June 3, 2014. [29] Becerra went on to defeat Edwards in the general election on November 4, 2014. [30] U.S. House, California District 34 General Election, 2014 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra Incumbent 72.5% 44,697 Democratic Adrienne Nicole Edwards 27.5% 16,924 Total Votes 61,621 Source: California Secretary of State U.S. House, California District 34 Primary, 2014 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra Incumbent 73.9% 22,878 Democratic Adrienne Edwards 14.5% 4,474 Peace and Freedom Howard Johnson 11.6% 3,587 Total Votes 30,939 Source: California Secretary of State

2012

See also: California’s 34th Congressional District elections, 2012 Becerra won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House , representing California’s 34th District as a Democrat. [31] He was displaced from the 31st District by redistricting. He and Stephen Smith (R) advanced past the blanket primary on June 5, 2012, defeating Howard Johnson (Peace and Freedom). Becerra went on to defeat Smith in the general election on November 6, 2012. [32] [33] U.S. House, California District 34 General Election, 2012 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra Incumbent 85.6% 120,367 Republican Stephen Smith 14.4% 20,223 Total Votes 140,590 Source: California Secretary of State “Official Election Results, 2012 General Election” U.S. House, California District 34 Open Primary, 2012 Candidate Vote % Votes Xavier Becerra (D) Incumbent 77.3% 27,939 Stephen Smith (R) 16% 5,793 Howard Johnson (P&F) 6.7% 2,407 Total Votes 36,139

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Xavier Becerra, click [show] to expand the section. 2010 On November 2, 2010, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated Stephen Smith (R) and Sal Genovese (Write-in) in the general election. [34] U.S. House, California District 31 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 83.8% 76,363 Republican Stephen Smith 16.2% 14,740 Write-in Sal Genovese 0% 3 Total Votes 91,106 2008 On November 4, 2008, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He ran unopposed in the general election. [35] U.S. House, California District 31 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 100% 110,955 Total Votes 110,955 2006 On November 7, 2006, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He ran unopposed in the general election. [36] U.S. House, California District 31 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 100% 64,952 Total Votes 64,952 2004 On November 2, 2004, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated Luis Vega (R) in the general election. [37] U.S. House, California District 31 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 80.2% 89,363 Republican Luis Vega 19.8% 22,048 Total Votes 111,411 2002 On November 5, 2002, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated Luis Vega (R) in the general election. [38] U.S. House, California District 31 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 81.2% 54,569 Republican Luis Vega 18.8% 12,674 Total Votes 67,243 2000 On November 7, 2000, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated Tony Goss (R), Jason Heath (L) and Gary Hearne (Natural Law) in the general election. [39] U.S. House, California District 30 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 83.3% 83,223 Republican Tony Goss 11.8% 11,788 Libertarian Jason Heath 2.9% 2,858 Natural Law Gary Hearne 2.1% 2,051 Total Votes 99,920 1998 On November 3, 1998, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated Patricia Parker (R) in the general election. [40] U.S. House, California District 30 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 81.2% 58,230 Republican Patricia Parker 18.8% 13,441 Total Votes 71,671 1996 On November 5, 1996, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated Patricia Parker (R), Pam Probst (L), Shirley Mandel (P&F) and Rosemary Watson-Frith (Natural Law) in the general election. [41] U.S. House, California District 30 General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 72.3% 58,283 Republican Patricia Parker 18.7% 15,078 Libertarian Pam Probst 3.4% 2,759 Peace and Freedom Shirley Mandel 3.1% 2,499 Natural Law Rosemary Watson-Frith 2.4% 1,971 Total Votes 80,590 1994 On November 8, 1994, Xavier Becerra won re-election to the United States House . He defeated David Ramirez (R) and R. William Weilburg (L) in the general election. [42] U.S. House, California District 30 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra incumbent 66.2% 43,943 Republican David Ramirez 28.2% 18,741 Libertarian R. William Weilburg 5.6% 3,741 Total Votes 66,425 1992 On November 3, 1992, Xavier Becerra won election to the United States House . He defeated Morry Waksberg (R), Blase Bonpane (G), Elizabeth Nakano (P&F) and Andrew Consalvo (L) in the general election. [43] U.S. House, California District 30 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes Democratic Xavier Becerra 58.4% 48,800 Republican Morry Waksberg 24% 20,034 Green Blase Bonpane 7.6% 6,315 Peace and Freedom Elizabeth Nakano 7.4% 6,173 Libertarian Andrew Consalvo 2.7% 2,221 Total Votes 83,543

Issue positions (campaign themes)

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses See also: Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Xavier Becerra has not yet completed Ballotpedia’s 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Xavier Becerra asking him to fill out the survey . If you are Xavier Becerra, click here to fill out Ballotpedia’s 2026 Candidate Connection survey . Who fills out Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey? Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia’s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate’s Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for. More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia’s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here . You can ask Xavier Becerra to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing info@xavierbecerra2026.com. Campaign website Becerra’s campaign website stated the following: PRIORITIES HEALTH CARE Health care is a human right. Californians deserve care they can actually use—without medical debt, delays, or fear of losing coverage. As California’s Health Care Governor, I will fight to make sure that every Californian has comprehensive, affordable health care. We can deliver real relief now while building toward a universal, single-payer CalCare system that puts people before profits. Since my early years in Congress, I have been an advocate for single payer , and California is on its way there. And while I believe universal coverage is possible, I believe we also need to pursue immediate wins while building towards a unified system. This means implementing cost-containment strategies and working to eliminate racial, economic, and geographic disparities in accessing care for every Californian. I want to strengthen our Medi-Cal program for our most vulnerable families and find targeted cost-relief assistance programs for our middle-income families. In Congress, I fought for the Affordable Care Act, as Attorney General of California I defended it, and then as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, I ran the largest federal agency making sure our families were safe and healthy during pandemics and disasters. I know how to fight, defend, and build, and together, we can move California, not backwards, with health care. FIGHTING DONALD TRUMP In the past year, Trump and his administration have terrorized our communities, attacked our values, and made life harder and more unaffordable for our families. As Governor of California, I vow to protect and lead our state against Trump and his attacks. When Trump and his administration threaten access to healthcare, affordable housing, fair wages, or protections for immigrants and marginalized communities, the state has a responsibility to step in and fight. I am that fighter, and have a proven record facing and winning against Donald Trump, having sued him 122 times in fact as California’s Attorney General. From defending Dreamers, to protecting California’s authority and autonomy to move towards progress rather than backwards in environmental justice and reproductive rights, I had the privilege to represent and defend California when Trump attacked our laws or values, and I am ready to get back in the ring again as Governor. I believe in the California Dream, that every family, every worker, and every community deserves a fair shot at a safe and healthy life. So when the federal government continues to overreach, I will challenge it in court and refuse to back down to ensure California keeps moving forward and building together. MAKE THE CALIFORNIA DREAM POSSIBLE. For too long, California has simply not built enough homes, and working families have paid the price through soaring rents, overcrowding, and displacement. Homeownership is out of reach for too many Californians and that makes people leave the state or unable to build the kind of wealth that allows Americans to be upwardly mobile. As governor, I will treat housing like the essential infrastructure it is. I will push to dramatically increase housing production by making it easier to build. That means cutting unnecessary red tape, speeding up approvals for projects that meet affordability and environmental standards, and reducing unnecessary costs. At the same time, I will make sure growth doesn’t push people out. We will invest in affordable housing, protect renters from unfair evictions and rent hikes, and help first-time buyers get a fair shot at homeownership. My first job was in construction and my father was a union construction worker for decades. He even built the house I grew up in. Building is in my blood, and I will bring that mentality as Governor. And I believe that everyone benefits when there are enough homes, when costs stop rising out of control, and when everyone has a safe, stable place to call home. LOWER COSTS. RAISE STABILITY. PUT FAMILIES FIRST. Californians are being squeezed by rising costs—from insurance and childcare to groceries—and too many families are falling behind even while working hard. This affordability crisis isn’t about people working harder or budgeting better; it’s about systems that have stopped working for everyday Californians. As governor, I will take on the cost of living head-on by standing up to price gouging and unjustified rate hikes, expanding help with childcare and essential costs, and using the power of the state to lower prices where the market has failed. No family should have to choose between caring for their kids, putting food on the table, and staying insured. As the Attorney General of California, I took on hospital systems like Sutter to stop their unlawful anticompetitive practices that let them control and inflate higher health care prices for Californians. And as U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, toughened Medicare drug price negotiations to secure significant discounts on high‑cost medicines, capped out‑of‑pocket costs for seniors, and launched innovative models aimed at

Key votes

Key votes

Key votes (click “show” to expand or “hide” to contract)

Key votes — 114th Congress

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. [57] [58] For more information pertaining to Becerra’s voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. [59]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Economic and fiscal — Trade Act of 2015

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA) , also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define “U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented,” according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Becerra was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill. [60] [61] Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA) , which was rejected earlier the same day. Becerra was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure. [62] [63] Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees’ Retirement Act —on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Becerra was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment. [64] [65] Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 —on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 . Along with trade promotion authority (TPA) , which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees’ Retirement Act —TAA became law on June 29, 2015. [66] [67]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Economic and fiscal — Defense spending authorization

On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 —by a vote of 269-151. The bill “authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation.” Becerra voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill. [68] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. [69] On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 —by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. [70] [71] Becerra voted with 48 other Democrats and nine Republicans against the bill. [72] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. [73]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Economic and fiscal — 2016 Budget proposal

On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11 , a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Becerra, voted against the resolution. [74] [75] [76]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Economic and fiscal — 2015 budget

On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 —by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. [77] Becerra voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill. [78] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. [79] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Key votes — 114th Congress — Foreign Affairs — Iran nuclear deal

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 —by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Becerra voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill. [80] [81] Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran —by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran . Becerra voted with 161 Democrats for the bill. [82] [83] Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran —by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited “the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury.” Becerra voted with 185 Democrats against the bill. [84] [85] Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 —by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Becerra voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution. [86] [87]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Foreign Affairs — Export-Import Bank

On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015 —by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. [88] Becerra voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill. [89]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Domestic — USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 —by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 —by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court , and requiring the use of “a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies.” Becerra voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. [90] [91]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Domestic — Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act —by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Becerra voted with 179 Democrats against the bill. [92] [93]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Domestic — Cyber security

On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015 —by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. [94] Becerra voted with 43 Democrats and 19 Republicans against the bill. [95] On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act —by a vote of 307-116. [96] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Becerra voted with 78 Democrats and 37 Republicans against the bill. [97]

Key votes — 114th Congress — Immigration

On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015 —by a vote of 289-137. [98] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Becerra voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill. [99]

Key votes — 113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. [100] For more information pertaining to Becerra’s voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. [101]

Key votes — National security — NDAA

Becerra voted against HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. [102]

Key votes — National security — DHS Appropriations

Becerra did not vote on HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines. [103]

Key votes — National security — CISPA (2013)

Becerra voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. [104]

Key votes — Economy — Farm bill

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642 , known as the Farm Bill . [105] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. [106] [107] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. [107] Becerra voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill.

Key votes — Economy — 2014 Budget

On January 15, 2014, the Republican -run House approved H.R. 3547 , a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. [108] [109] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. [109] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. [110] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Becerra joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill. [108] [109]

Key votes — Economy — Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. [111] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. [112] Becerra voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. [113] The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate . The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. [114] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Becerra voted for HR 2775. [115]

Key votes — Economy — Federal Pay Adjustment Act

Becerra voted against HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years. [116]

Key votes — Immigration — Morton Memos Prohibition

Becerra did not vote on House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to “prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos.” These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. [117] The vote largely followed party lines. [118]

Key votes — Healthcare — Healthcare Reform Rules

Becerra voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. [119]

Key votes — Social issues — Abortion

Becerra voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization. [120]

Key votes — Previous congressional sessions — Fiscal Cliff

Becerra voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 16 Democrats who voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013. [121]

Committee assignments

Committee assignments — U.S. House — 2015-2016

Becerra served on the following committees: [55] Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Social Security , Ranking Member

Committee assignments — U.S. House — 2013-2014

Becerra served on the following committees: [56] Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Social Security, Ranking Member

Committee assignments — U.S. House — 2011-2012

Becerra served on the following committees: United States Congress Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Oversight Subcommittee on Social Security, Ranking Member

Enrichment source: Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Xavier_Becerra

Sources

• CalMatters 2026 Voter Guide
• Ballotpedia (enrichment, when available)