Former Los Angeles Mayor is aiming to become the next governor of California.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s eight-year term will end in early 2027, sparking a competitive race for his successor.
“California is the state where anything is possible with hard work and determination,” Villaraigosa said. “But our future depends on our willingness to face our biggest challenges. That’s why I’m running for Governor.”
A campaign video highlighted Villaraigosa’s commitment to bipartisan legislation and being tough on crime, which is expected to be a central issue in the 2026 election. As L.A. Mayor from 2005 to 2013, he focused on restructuring the police department and addressing the education system. The 71-year-old former mayor brands himself as a “problem solver.”
This is Villaraigosa’s second gubernatorial bid, having placed third in the 2018 primary. He joins a crowded Democratic field including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, California Democratic Party Vice Chair Betty Yee, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. Current L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Rep. Katie Porter are also rumored to join the race.
I do not support any elected position to which Antonio Villaraigosa aspires.
I was teaching a Saturday class at the North Valley Occupational Center when he was running for reelection for mayor. He was going to make a campaign appearance at the school and we had to shut down our classes and require everyone to assemble in the parking lot to create a crowd for him. We had no choice! These were adult students who were working their tails off all week long at mostly menial jobs and going to school on a Saturday to learn marketable skills to make their lives much better. But instead we all were being used as… Read more »
I loved Antonio Villaraigosa’s time as mayor: dedicated, sincere and effective. And I voted for him for Governor the first time around. But this time no. It’s time to bring new energy and ideas to California. Perhaps Katie Porter or Robert Garcia.
Oh dear gawd. Some people just don’t know when the dance is over & continue to wear out their welcome. This man was among the worst mayors ever. Strictly it for the personal glorification & freebies. L.A. does not need to go back to this for cryin’ out loud. Everything old is never new again. Especially old politicians who thinks we still live in the last century
Absolutely not!
Remember when he was mayor and kept L.A. looking and feeling like a utopia for a long time? I do. We all need this man back to clean up the mess California has become under weak leadership. And we need him back pronto. 🇺🇸
No Bueno