WASHINGTON — He has served in the California State Assembly, Congress, and most recently in President Biden’s Cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

And let’s not forget his time as attorney general of California, where he also served as Vice President Kamala Harris and served as a gateway to high office.

So what’s next for Xavier Becerra?

Becerra is “strongly considering” running for governor, and has already attracted members of the state’s congressional delegation, donor base and He said he is exploring this possibility with potential supporters.

Becerra was hesitant last week when asked about his plans days after leaving his federal job.

“I’m getting ready to move back to California,” he said. “There are a lot of things to think about, including seeing more of my family.”

In an earlier interview in a formal conference room outside the HHS office, Becerra reflected on his tenure leading a team of 95,000 people in the Biden administration. Just three days before President Trump’s inauguration, officials removed a nameplate from a nearby door.

“Looking back, these past four years were important four years,” said Becerra, 66. “I think most people would say we accomplished our mission. We were very focused. We took over in very difficult circumstances. We climbed and went outside. I’m out.”

When asked what his top priorities will be when he takes the oath of office in March 2021, Becerra said: COVID. COVID. There was nothing else. ”

He said one of his administration’s major accomplishments was getting 700 million coronavirus vaccine doses into the arms of Americans, who are being given everything from large distribution centers to barbershops to pharmacies. , said vaccinations are now available almost everywhere. “We realized we had to go where the people were,” he said.

He also noted that the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, has health insurance for 46 million Americans and provides access to health care for more than 300 million people. He also touted the launch of the 988 hotline, which will provide 24-hour suicide and crisis counseling.

“No administration has ever addressed mental health so directly and with such determination. The resources are unparalleled,” Becerra said. “This is the largest investment in mental health in history.”

Asked if he was concerned that the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled House and Senate would roll back those interests, he said his agency has worked to protect them.

For example, Mr. Becerra, who became the first Secretary of Health and Human Services to visit a family planning clinic, asked the Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone, one of two drugs used medically. He pointed out the administration’s efforts regarding reproductive medicine, such as going to the terminate the pregnancy.

“We obviously played strong defense,” he said.

He also said he is optimistic now that Americans are better informed about the protections they have under the Affordable Care Act, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, and that Republicans are moving ahead with policy goals such as repealing Obamacare. He said it would be politically more difficult to achieve.

“Too many people know now. Before, they didn’t really know it. Today they know what they have,” Becerra said. “You might be happy. Don’t worry, you’re taken care of now. But come November, December, there’s a budget showdown in Congress, tax credits are expiring. If the typical scenario unfolds that we’re approaching, people will stand up and say, “Wait a minute, that’s it.” my health care. ”

Under the Biden administration, most states extended the ACA enrollment period, a factor that contributed to the program’s growth, but days after Becerra’s interview, President Trump issued an executive order ending that extension. signed.

Although Mr. Becerra’s potential successor, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other members of Mr. Trump’s inner circle are openly skeptical or dismissive of currently prevailing scientific theories and practices, Mr. Becerra is He said he believes science and facts will prevail.

“I’m the son of immigrants, so optimism is in my DNA,” Becerra said.

Now that his term is over, he said he’s looking forward to returning to California where he can grow stubble and wear jeans when visiting his family.

“I love California because of its energy. I think about California the same way I think about my family. The glass is half full for us,” Becerra said. She said she was the first in her family to go to college, and that all three of her daughters also attended college. “We’re still going. We’re still on the rise. We haven’t experienced our best days yet.”

Are those the words of a potential gubernatorial candidate? perhaps.