Mayor Bass throws her support behind Villaraigosa for governor

Candidate's work in and ties to L.A. and state Capitol are highlighted

- BY SEEMA MEHTA

ALLEN J. SCHABEN Los Angeles Times EX-L.A. MAYOR Antonio Villaraigosa is endorsed by Karen Bass on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass endorsed Antonio Villaraigosa, a longtime compatriot and the city’s former mayor, in the 2026 governor's race on Tuesday.

“We have known Antonio for decades. We have worked with him for decades on many issues that are critical to this community,” Bass said at a news conference in South Los Angeles.

Bass pointed to Villaraigosa’s work as the Assembly speaker to create healthcare coverage for children that predated Obamacare, and his work as mayor on public transportation and the environment.

“I know as California’s next governor, you are talking about someone who knows the Legislature, who knows the legislative process, who knows how to build relationships, who knows our city,” Bass said. “As we are in this crossroads in our country, not knowing exactly where we're going to go with what is happening in Washington, we need a leader like Antonio Villaraigosa to be the next governor of California.”