Voto Latino Applauds Xavier Becerra Nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services

Washington, DC – On Sunday, December 6, President-elect Joe Biden announced California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services. With a track record of protecting Californians’ health, helping to both pass and defend the Affordable Care Act and ensuring that health outcomes and resources are fair and equitable, Voto Latino wholeheartedly supports Mr. Becerra’s nomination. The nomination is welcome news to families who have been torn under the current administration. Family reunification falls under HHS’ purview.

“Xavier Becerra is a proven leader and expert in equity-building, which is desperately needed at HHS as communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said María Teresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino. “As California Attorney General, he led the charge to protect the Affordable Care Act, took on polluters and protected communities of color that are especially impacted by the effects of climate change. In the midst of a global pandemic, he is someone we can trust to get this virus under control, prioritize the health and safety of all Americans, and reunify immigrant families.”

A former Representative of California’s 30th, 31st, and 34th congressional districts, Becerra was appointed as the state’s Attorney General following Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ election to the United States Senate in 2017. If confirmed, Becerra will be the first Latino to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Becerra joins Homeland Security Secretary nominee Alejandro Mayorkas as the second Latinx cabinet selection nominated by the Biden-Harris administration. Other Latinx leaders currently being considered for possible positions in the Biden administration are Lily Eskelsen Garcia for Secretary of Education, and Representative Jimmy Gomez for U.S. Trade Representative. For too long, Latinxs have been left out of policymaking. Bringing in qualified Latinx leaders will help to address the issues our communities face, beginning on Day One.

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.