Brown’s attorney general pick confirmed
Becerra expected to run interference between state, D.C.
SACRAMENTO — U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra — tapped by Gov. Jerry Brown to defend the blue state from Washington meddling — won confirmation as California attorney general Monday and will be sworn in Tuesday morning, four days after President Donald Trump took office.
“It is humbling and exciting to assume responsibility for vigorously advancing the forward-leaning values that make California unique among the many states,” Becerra said in a statement released after he was confirmed. He was not present for Monday’s vote.
A longtime Los Angelesarea congressman who has not practiced law in decades but who brings intimate knowledge of Washington’s inner workings,
Becerra has pledged to defend California’s policies on climate change, immigration, health care and civil rights against a Republican-controlled Congress and Trump White House.
The 58-year-old Stanford alum who was the first in his family to earn a college degree will be the first Latino to hold the powerful position.
He will fill the post previously held by Kamala Harris, who was elected in November to represent California in the U.S. Senate.
Brown, who tapped Becerra for the post in early December, has called the nominee “battle-tested.”
Many senators who spoke in support of the nominee on Monday praised his integrity, intellect and attention to detail. Some said they were impressed by Becerra’s thoughtful responses during a wideranging, five-hour Senate committee hearing last week in which he was also grilled on criminal justice and consumer protection.
“This is clearly a man of great intellect, great political savvy and acumen,” said Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, “and someone who clearly understands the significance of this important position at this most challenging time in our state’s history.”
In earlier confirmation hearings and interviews Becerra has suggested, but not stated unequivocally, that he would run for a full term in 2018, leading to speculation that he might run for higher office.
But he moved easily through the confirmation process despite receiving minimal support from California’s Republican lawmakers.
Monday’s Senate vote adhered strictly to party lines, with Republicans citing ideological differences or concerns that support for Becerra would send a divisive signal.
“I want someone who will say they will work their hardest for Californians,” said state Sen. Jean Fuller, R-Bakersfield. “I don’t want someone who says they’re going to fight.”
Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, was the lone Republican in either house to give Becerra a yes vote on Jan. 13, with 23 of his GOP colleagues voting against the nomination and one abstaining. But with approval from all 55 Democrats in the house, Becerra sailed through the hearing with 15 votes to spare.
Becerra will be sworn in Tuesday morning at Gov. Jerry Brown’s State of the State address.
“For California, there’s no turning back,” Becerra’s statement said. “Our dynamic state is blessed with the best. Our leaders are ready to fight for us. And, like any people on the ascent, we are optimistic about tomorrow.”