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CAL POLITICS - Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race on Tuesday morning. This marks his second attempt to secure the office following an unsuccessful run in 2018.
Having been out of elected office since leaving L.A. City Hall in 2013, Villaraigosa joins a crowded field of high-profile Democratic candidates. The list includes Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former state Controller Betty Yee, state Senate leader Toni Atkins, and state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond. These candidates are vying to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is currently serving his second and final term.
In his announcement, Villaraigosa emphasized his ability to collaborate with both Democrats and Republicans during his tenure as mayor and as speaker of the California Assembly. He highlighted his track record of balancing budgets and enhancing public safety and education.
“California is the state where anything is possible with hard work and determination,” Villaraigosa stated in a written statement. “But our future depends on our willingness to face our biggest challenges. I believe we need a problem solver to lead our state.”
Villaraigosa served as mayor of Los Angeles from 2003 to 2013, steering the city through the financial turmoil of the Great Recession. His 2018 gubernatorial campaign saw him finishing third in the primary, behind Newsom and Republican John Cox.
In 2022, Governor Newsom appointed Villaraigosa as a top advisor on infrastructure issues, with a mandate to identify projects that could benefit from federal funding under President Biden’s infrastructure law. Villaraigosa has also worked as an advisor to Banc of California, Herbalife, and the AltaMed chain of health clinics. In May, he joined Coinbase’s global advisory council in a paid position.
Villaraigosa is the latest prominent Democrat to declare a gubernatorial bid, with more potential candidates, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, considering joining the race. Meanwhile, no high-profile Republicans have announced their candidacy. However, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, known for his strong law-and-order stance and criticism of Newsom, has indicated he is contemplating a 2026 campaign.
Reflecting on his decision, Villaraigosa said, “I’ve not been afraid to take on the tough issues. I’m not looking to be the most popular guy in town. I have a record that demonstrates that I’ve been willing to take on those tough issues.”
Villaraigosa, who recently attended a campaign event for U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Adam Schiff, reiterated his commitment, stating, “I’m not running for anything else. So, a popularity contest is not what I’m looking for. You’re never gonna see Antonio Villaraigosa — candidate for president or vice president. I want to be a damn good governor.”
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