Campaigning in Spanish takes on new meaning for candidates in California governor’s race

At a political summit this summer, California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra briefly broke into Spanish in response to a journalist’s question:

Why should voters choose him over a fresh face?

Becerra could have touted his extensive government experience. He’s a former member of Congress and state attorney general. He also served as Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration.

But Becerra, the son of Mexican immigrants, reflected on his parents’ labor, in connection to California’s current plight.

“My dad used to say to me: ‘Mijo, si me puedo levantar en la mañana e ir a trabajar, va a ser un buen dia,’” he said. Becerra immediately translated for English speakers: “‘My son, if I get up in the morning and go to work, it’s going to be a good day.’”

Becerra’s