Dear Lucas,
Today, on the heels of the California Legislature voting to confirm my nomination by Governor Jerry Brown as Attorney General of my home state, I am filled with excitement, gratitude and also nostalgia as I announce my resignation from Congress.
It has been my deep honor to serve for 24 years as a representative of California's 34th congressional district. I have been part of some of the greatest debates confronting our nation, from opposing the Iraq war, to fighting to help Americans recover from the Great Recession, to launching the bipartisan immigration reform talks and helping write our nation's health security law.
I never imagined that I'd have the privilege to walk through the halls of Congress, or even travel to Washington. And yet, I've had the incredible opportunity to serve Los Angeles for more than two decades in Democratic leadership for 10 straight years -- always striving to represent hardworking families like the one I grew up in.
As I embark on this new journey, I will continue fighting to make sure everyone -- like my parents, who worked hard to help build our country -- can earn a chance to get ahead.
The new landscape that we face in 2017 could be challenging. But as Attorney General of California, as we confront any grave threats to our freedoms, I will work to defend the rights of every Californian, just as I did in Congress.
I'm deeply thankful to my wife, my three daughters and my constituents and colleagues, whose support made my decision to become California's chief law enforcement office possible and whose belief in the strength of our democracy helps drive me everyday.
Sincerely,
Xavier Becerra