Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has received the support from the current LA Mayor in his campaign to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
LA Mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday that she is endorsing Villaraigosa in next year’s gubernatorial race.
Driving the news: Villaraigosa served as the mayor of LA from 2005 to 2013 and previously ran for governor in 2018, when he placed third in the primary behind Newsom and John Cox.
- He has joined a crowded field looking to take California’s top job. Some of his competitors include former Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine), former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former state Senate president pro tempore Toni Atkins, State Superintendent of Education Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, among others.
- Villaraigosa previously endorsed Bass for mayor when she ran in 2021.
What they’re saying: “I have seen up close the impact he has made not just for our city but for our entire state,” Bass said. “That’s why I’m supporting Antonio for governor – a leader who can unite our state with our shared values, build coalitions to lift people up for the common good, and ensure that basics like high-quality schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable homes, and good-paying job opportunities are available and accessible for all californians.”
- Villaraigosa said he is honored to be endorsed by Bass.
- “ Mayor Bass is a fierce advocate for working families, children, seniors, and underserved communities and a tireless champion for social and economic justice and for the people of Los Angeles,” Villaraigosa said. “I greatly appreciate her support in this campaign and look forward to collaborating with Mayor Bass for the health, safety, and betterment of Angelenos and all Californians.”
