Antonio Villaraigosa
Two-term LA mayor making a second run at the governorship.
Official campaign site ↗Villaraigosa frames himself as the experienced executive who can deliver on housing, public safety, and the economy without ideological detours.
The former Assembly Speaker and two-term mayor of Los Angeles ran for governor in 2018 and finished third behind Gavin Newsom and John Cox. He is making a second attempt with a more centrist, business-friendly profile and significant support from charter-school and building-trades donors.
- +Highest statewide name recognition in the Latino electorate
- +Strong fundraising network from his mayoral years
- +Building trades and charter-school support
- −Already lost a gubernatorial primary in 2018
- −Some progressive activists oppose his charter-school history
- −Has to share Latino base with Becerra
Where Villaraigosa stands on the eight issues
Housing & Cost of Living
Strongly supportsThe most aggressive YIMBY among Democrats; supports overriding local zoning resistance, streamlining CEQA review for housing, and tying state transportation dollars to housing production.
Homelessness
MixedSupports court-ordered treatment expansion and clearing encampments tied to shelter offers; critical of LA's pace under Mayor Bass.
Climate & Environment
SupportsSupports the state's 2045 net-zero target, but more open than rivals to keeping in-state oil production during a managed wind-down.
Healthcare
MixedSupports closing remaining coverage gaps and behavioral-health investment but explicitly opposes single-payer financing.
Education
SupportsLong-time charter-school supporter; backs expanded teacher pay tied to performance metrics and universal pre-K expansion.
Public Safety
Strongly supportsSupports increasing police staffing, restoring some pre-Prop 47 felony thresholds, and prosecuting organized retail theft rings.
Immigration
Strongly supportsHas highlighted his upbringing by a single Mexican-American mother; pledges to fight federal mass-deportation efforts.
Economy & Taxes
SupportsWants a state infrastructure bank, faster permitting for transit and housing, and tax incentives for in-state manufacturing.
