Biden‑linked candidates secure nominations in California, New Mexico and Georgia gubernatorial races

Former President Joe Biden’s former cabinet members Deb Haaland of New Mexico and Xavier Becerra of California have each won their parties’ nominations for governor, joining former senior adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms, who secured the Democratic nomination in Georgia. Their victories place three Biden‑affiliated candidates on the ballot for November’s gubernatorial contests.

While the candidates have largely avoided mentioning Biden in campaign speeches and website biographies, internal Democrats are debating the Biden family’s public reemergence, and Republicans say they will highlight the candidates’ ties to the former administration. No public endorsement from Biden has been issued for the California or New Mexico races.

"The Bidens are burning a lot of good will that they built up over a very long time," former White House aide Roderick Applewhait said, urging the family to step aside. Democrats emphasize affordability and criticize former President Donald Trump, while GOP officials plan to use the Biden connection as a campaign weapon.