Three former Biden White House officials are running for governor in 2026. They want to highlight their experience in Biden’s administration but are cautious about linking themselves too closely to the former president. This approach contrasts with how some Republicans have fully embraced Donald Trump in recent years.
Deb Haaland, Xavier Becerra, and Keisha Lance Bottoms are the candidates involved. They stress their administrative experience as they campaign but avoid mentioning Biden outright in ads or events.
Becerra’s Campaign in California
Xavier Becerra is competing in a competitive primary in California. He emphasizes his role as Biden’s health secretary, state attorney general, and a long-term congressman. Becerra discusses policies like Medicare expansion and insulin price caps. Despite this, he does not mention Biden in any campaign materials.
Complications arise because Becerra’s colleagues criticize him for claiming credit for certain achievements and Biden has yet to endorse anyone in the race. Meanwhile, competitors challenge Becerra’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and migrant issues.
Becerra’s spokesperson, Jonathan Underland, says voters focus on Becerra’s achievements rather than his ties to Biden. The emphasis is on experience and individual accomplishments.
Haaland’s Campaign in New Mexico
Deb Haaland is the Democratic front-runner in New Mexico. She offers praise for Biden, citing his support for Indigenous communities. Haaland highlights her work in conservation and renewable energy.
Despite positive remarks about Biden, Haaland’s ads center on her campaign’s historical significance and opposition to Trump’s policies. Her campaign focuses on New Mexico endorsements over seeking Biden’s direct support.
Haaland acknowledges Biden as a partner, yet frames her campaign as independently focused.
Bottoms’ Campaign in Georgia
Keisha Lance Bottoms received Biden’s first endorsement as a private citizen. Her campaign promotes this while also emphasizing Biden’s achievements in student loan forgiveness and business support.
Bottoms hasn’t featured Biden in her campaign ads, though. Her Republican opponents, Burt Jones and Rick Jackson, aim to spotlight her Biden ties.
According to her campaign spokesperson, Bottoms focuses on economic issues and opposes Trump’s influence.
Democratic strategists note voters are more concerned with fighting Trump than affiliations with Biden. Although each candidate has a history in their state, the Biden connection’s impact on swing voters remains to be seen, especially in Georgia.