LOS ANGELES – Rep. was appointed as California’s next attorney general Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown to succeed fellow Democrat Kamala Harris, who was elected to the U.S. Senate last month.
If confirmed by the state Senate and Assembly — as expected — Becerra will serve the final two years of Harris’ term and become California’s first Hispanic attorney general. His congressional seat would be filled by a special election.
Becerra has represented his Los Angeles County district in Congress since 1993. Prior to that he was an Assemblyman and a deputy state attorney general. He is also chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
“Xavier has been an outstanding public servant — in the state Legislature, the U.S. Congress and as a deputy attorney general,” Brown said. “I’m confident he will be a champion for all Californians and help our state aggressively combat climate change.”
Said Becerra: “Governor Brown has presented me with an opportunity I cannot refuse — to serve as attorney general of my home state. As a former deputy attorney general, I relished the chance to be our state’s chief law enforcement officer to protect consumers, advance criminal justice reform and, of course, keep our families safe.”
Former Assembly Speaker John A. Perez, whose district included parts of Becerra’s congressional district, announced his intention to run for the seat Thursday.
“I’m proud to have played a role in enacting some of the most impactful legislation in the country to help poor and working class families, as well as the middle class on issues from college affordability to job training to public education, environmental justice, equality and more,” Perez said.
“I’m running for Congress to take these California values and our state’s visionary approach to the national level.”
Perez is currently a University of California regent.
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Mari says
Extremely proud, and this is the way you fight back igborance: education. I challenge every minority, poor person, illegal immigrant. Get educated. There are free libraries, pick up a book and start learning now. You can get out of poverty, you can make a difference. Don’t bother with the envious, they will die scapegoating their problems until their last breath. Rise up and become enlightened, the truth stands up it has legs. So get going.
callingitasitis says
Great an open border AG, really Jerry? This guy cannot figure out illegal aliens from legal residents at the federal level. We will end up wasting tax dollars fighting the Feds. How about just enforcing the law as it written in the books of both state level and those federal laws which the state is mandated to obey.
SMHX2 says
AG Xavier Becerra, my family and I have so much to thank you for, without your assistance life would have been very different for us. Mr. Becerra, US Rep. Luis Gutierrez and President Clinton’s office went above and beyond to help us solve problem that made a difference in our lives in 2000. Thank you, thank you, thank you, you are a good man and I am proud to call you AG Becerra.