Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — a familiar face for many in Boyle Heights — announced Tuesday that he is running for California Governor in 2026.
The 71-year-old East L.A. native, who represented Council District 14 from 2003 to 2005, says he’s the “proven problem solver” the state needs, citing his long history in politics.
“I’ve not been afraid to take on the tough issues,” said Villaraigosa in a press release. “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 graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights and attended East Los Angeles Community College before receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA. In 1994, he was elected into the State Assembly and served in the position through 2000.
Villaraigosa first ran for California governor in 2018, but lost to current Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom’s second term will end in early 2027.
Other Democrats in the 2026 race include state Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, state Senator Toni Atkins, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and former state Controller Betty Yee. On the Republican end, Zacky Farms Vice President Leo Zacky and former judge Jimmy Parker have declared their candidacy, with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco considering throwing his hat into the ring as well.
“I’m not running for anything else,” Villaraigosa shared. “So a popularity contest is not what I’m looking for. You’re never gonna see Antonio Villaraigosa – a candidate for president or vice president. I want to be a damn good governor.”