Raimondo Was Top Pick For Biden's HHS Secretary: Politico

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo was the top pick to helm President-elect Joe Biden's Department of Health and Human Services, according to Politico. During her weekly news conference, Raimondo announced that she was withdrawing from consideration.

According to Politico, Biden's transition team was caught by surprise by Raimondo's Thursday announcement, leaving them with no clear front-runner.

"I am not going to be President-elect Biden's nominee for HHS secretary ... and I have nothing else to say on that," Raimondo pre-emptively announced before opening the news conference up to questions from reporters. As was the case when she was under consideration as a vice presidential pick over the summer, Raimondo said her complete focus remains steering Rhode Island through the coronavirus pandemic.

After Raimondo withdrew herself from the list of possible choices for HHS secretary, Biden's team offered the position to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Politico reported.

Related: Raimondo Considered For Biden's Health Secretary: Report