Secretary Becerra Becomes First Latino to Serve as HHS Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) released statements from Co-Chairs Massachusetts AG Maura Healey and Nevada AG Aaron Ford and Executive Director Sean Rankin following the confirmation of California AG Xavier Becerra to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Secretary Becerra makes history as the first Latino to serve as HHS Secretary.

Statement from Massachusetts AG Maura Healey and Nevada AG Aaron Ford, Co-Chairs of the Democratic Attorneys General Association

“We are so proud of our colleague Xavier Becerra for his successful and historic confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. He has dedicated his career to protecting the people of California, both in the House of Representatives and as California Attorney General.”

“From taking on prescription drug companies and holding the opioid industry accountable to protecting access to affordable health care and leading on antitrust issues, Secretary Becerra brings an essential mix of federal and state bipartisan leadership to HHS. With Secretary Becerra at the helm of HHS, we should all be optimistic about our future, and the positive impact a Becerra-led HHS will have on the everyday lives of millions of people across the country.”

“Throughout his confirmation process, the nation saw first-hand what we’ve known about Secretary Becerra from day one: he is a leader who listens, a leader who collaborates, and a leader with deep respect for the rule of law. We look forward to working closely with our former colleague in the months and years ahead as we all continue to fight for accessible and affordable health care and critical community resources for everyone during these extraordinarily trying times.”

Statement from Sean Rankin, Executive Director of the Democratic Attorneys General Association

“The confirmation of Xavier Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services should build confidence in every American that the Biden-Harris HHS is equipped with a leader who is ready to serve the people on day one.”

“Secretary Becerra knows how to step in and lead during a crisis—working with leaders on both sides of the aisle. During his time in Congress, Becerra provided crucial leadership in the writing and passage of health care reform—doing so at a time when millions were out of work and without lifesaving care. As California Attorney General, Becerra took action every day to protect the health and well-being of millions of Californians.”

“With the most diverse coalition of state AGs in history, Democratic Attorneys General represent the bench of the Democratic Party, and Secretary Becerra demonstrates the steady rise by diverse leaders this committee so proudly supports.”

“As Secretary Becerra takes office, we look forward to Governor Newsom selecting the best person to lead the California DOJ. We know they will be a leader who is committed to equitable justice — using the power of the largest state DOJ in the country for the good of the people. And we look forward to working with allies across California to ensure whomever is selected fits seamlessly into the Democratic Attorneys General Association and the Democratic Attorney General community that’s worked tirelessly to protect every community across this country.”