Former AG Becerra joins crowded race to be California's next governor

Driving the news: Becerra, Biden's health secretary, said in his announcement his working-class parents achieved a California dream that the affordability crisis has pushed out of reach.

• "But we've taken on those tough fights," he said. "California has succeeded in those tough fights and become the economic engine of this country. We can do that, but you need a leader who can be tough."

Catch up quick: Former Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Becerra attorney general in 2017, after Harris vacated the seat when she was elected to the Senate.

• He represented a Los Angeles County district in the U.S. House for 24 years before that.

State of play: Toni Atkins, San Diego's former leader of the state senate, assembly and city council, joined the race more than a year ago.

• Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, a progressive protege of Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Orange County, declared last month.
• Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis became the first gubernatorial candidate two years ago, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state superintendent of education Tony Thurmond, and former state controller Betty Yee are all also running.

What we're watching: Harris has reportedly said she'll make her decision by the end of the summer.