WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden has tapped California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be the next Health and Human Services secretary, a historic choice that would make the former Los Angeles congressman the first Latino to hold the office, according to a source familiar with the decision.

Becerra, a rising star in California politics, has become one of the most important defenders of the Affordable Care Act, leading the fight to preserve the landmark law against efforts by the Trump administration and conservative states to convince federal courts to repeal it.

Becerra also has carved out an increasingly important role confronting health care costs, using his position to challenge pricing practices of Sutter Health, one of California’s most powerful medical systems.

Latino advocacy groups, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have been pushing Biden to pick a Latino to fill a prominent Cabinet position. Many had advocated for Becerra, though New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was considered a front-runner for HHS for some time.

News of Becerra’s selection drew swift praise from politicians and health care leaders.

“This pandemic has brought a glaring light to the health inequities in our country. ... Having an individual who not only has outstanding qualifications, but also understands the needs of minority communities is imperative as our country moves forward in its fight against the pandemic,” Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, said in a statement.

Peter Lee, who heads California’s insurance marketplace Covered California, lauded Becerra’s work in Congress and as attorney general to defend access to affordable medical care.