Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa again running for California governor

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) threw his hat into the ring to be the next governor of California on Tuesday, joining an already crowded field in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). 

Villaraigosa announced his candidacy for the 2026 contest in a video, calling himself a “proven problem solver.” He previously ran for the Golden State’s top job in 2018, when he came in third in the primary behind Newsom, who won his first term that year and will be term-limited in 2026. 

“I believe we need a problem solver to lead our state,” Villaraigosa said in his announcement. “That’s why I’m running for governor.” 

He touted his record as speaker of the California State Assembly, working with both parties to reach a balanced budget with funds in reserve to avoid cuts for schools and public safety, and as Los Angeles mayor, increasing the number of police officers and going after illegal firearms to lower violent crime. 

He also noted that he oversaw a rapid increase in graduation rates and led the city coming out of the financial crisis of the Great Recession. Villaraigosa served two terms as mayor from 2005 to 2013. 

“I know we can do big things for California because I’ve done them before,” he said. 

Villaraigosa pledged that if elected, he would balance the budget, ensure neighborhoods are safe and costs are reduced for small businesses and the middle class. He said using only money will not fix the problems that the state faces. 

“I’m a problem solver, and with your support, that’s exactly what I’ll do as your next governor,” he said. 

Villaraigosa is joining a field that already includes some significant names in California politics. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former state Assembly speaker and former state Assembly president pro tempore Toni Atkins, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and former state Controller Betty Yee have all announced bids on the Democratic side. 

California runs its elections with open primaries, so all candidates compete in the same contest in the primary, and the top two advance to the general election.