LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Tuesday that he is running for governor of California in 2026, saying the state needs “someone willing to make difficult — and even unpopular — decisions.”
It is the second time Villaraigosa is making a run for governor.
“I’ve not been afraid to take on the tough issues,” Villaraigosa said ahead of his announcement Tuesday, which he shared exclusively with Politico.
Villaraigosa, 71, is a Democrat but he indicated a willingness to buck party tradition in Sacramento.
“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,” he said.
Villaraigosa sought the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018 in a losing effort to Gavin Newsom.
He served two terms as mayor of Los Angeles, from 2005 to 2013. He is also a former speaker of the state Assembly.
Other Democrats in the 2026 race for governor include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the first to declare her candidacy, state Sen. Toni Atkins, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and former Controller Betty Yee.
Attorney General Rob Bonta is weighing a bid.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is weighing a run, while Leo Zacky, vice president of Zacky Farms, and former judge Jimmy Parker have declared their candidacy.
“I’m not running for anything else,” Villaraigosa added. “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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