Villaraigosa: “I Have Deep Respect for VP Kamala Harris and Know She Will Continue Her Commitment to Serve"; California Faces Critical Challenges and Needs a Proven Problem Solver

Press Release
Written By Michelle Jeung

LOS ANGELES — Antonio Villaraigosa, former Speaker of the California Assembly and 41st Mayor of Los Angeles, released the following regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to decline running in the 2026 California gubernatorial election.

“I have deep respect for Vice President Kamala Harris and her decades of leadership and public service to the people of California and our nation. Her decision not to enter the race for governor reflects her continued commitment to serving at the highest levels of government, and I know she will continue to be a powerful voice for justice, equality, and opportunity.

We face critical challenges in California - and we need a proven problem solver to tackle our affordability crisis. That’s why I’m running for governor."

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Michelle Jeung
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