VILLARAIGOSA FILES TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA
A Campaign Focused on Results and Opportunity
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Antonio Villaraigosa officially filed paperwork to run for Governor of California, formalizing a statewide campaign focused on delivering results for working families and restoring opportunity across the state.
A proven problem solver, Antonio is the only candidate in the race with executive leadership experience as Mayor of California’s largest city and statewide legislative leadership as Speaker of the Assembly. His decision to file comes at a moment when Californians are demanding experienced leadership to address rising costs of living, housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, and economic opportunity. Backed by strong fundraising and broad grassroots support, his campaign enters the race with the resources to compete and win.
“I’m running for Governor because too many hard-working Californians feel like the California Dream is slipping out of reach. Rent is too high. Groceries cost too much. Small businesses are hanging on by a thread. I’ve brought people together before to deliver real progress - on schools, on jobs, on transportation - and I’ll do it again. This isn’t about politics. It’s about making California affordable, safer, and full of opportunity again.”
As Mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa led major infrastructure expansion, delivered historic investments in public transportation, and helped drive significant improvements in public school graduation rates. As Speaker of the Assembly, he built bipartisan coalitions to pass landmark legislation on education, healthcare, and workers’ rights - demonstrating his ability to lead at both the local and statewide levels.
His campaign will focus on tackling the affordability crisis, expanding economic opportunity, pushing back against Donald Trump’s extreme agenda and ICE intimidation, strengthening public safety, and fighting for California’s values.
With today’s filing, Antonio begins the next chapter, building on a decades-long record of leadership and results, offering voters a campaign grounded in experience, accountability, and a clear plan to move California forward.
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