Antonio Villaraigosa to Run for Governor of California in 2026

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Tuesday that he will run for governor of California in 2026, joining a growing group of candidates vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Villaraigosa previously ran against Newsom in 2018, finishing third in the primary behind governor and Republican John Cox. He has a long history in California politics, serving as Assembly Speaker, Los Angeles City Council member and ultimately mayor of the city.

Villaraigosa resigned from office in 2013 and has not held elected office since.

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He will run for governor against Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Senate President Toni Atkins, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and former State Comptroller Betty Yee.

Attorney General Rob Bonta is considering running, but he told The Sacramento Bee in May that he would wait until after the November election to make a decision. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is also considering a bid, but he did not directly answer whether he would run when asked in June.

The field remains wide open, though Kounalakis has already raised significant funds. Her campaign announced earlier this month that she has already raised more than $9 million for the race.

In a campaign video released Tuesday, Villaraigosa touted his work as mayor and congressional speaker, saying he plans to focus on the state budget, education and lowering costs for small businesses and middle-class families.

“We have serious problems, and money alone won’t solve them,” Villaraigosa said in a statement. “We need to focus on better outcomes, fix what’s broken, and invest in what works. I’m a problem solver, and with your support, that’s exactly what I’ll do as governor.”