Antonio Villaraigosa on Running for California Governor and Kamala Harris's Decision

2026 California Gubernatorial Race

• 🎯 Antonio Villaraigosa is running for Governor of California in the 2026 election, emphasizing the need for a proven problem solver.
• 💡 He believes the time is now for candidates to decide, especially for Kamala Harris, as the election is only a year and three months away.
• ⚠️ Villaraigosa argues that the governorship is not a stepping stone and requires immediate focus due to California's significant challenges and its position as the fifth largest economy.

Concerns for California

• 📉 Villaraigosa perceives a general sense that California is moving in the wrong direction, citing issues with safety, housing affordability, and education.
• 🏠 He highlights the difficulty for young people to achieve homeownership, stating that renting an apartment with roommates is now considered the dream.
• 📚 With the state ranking last in graduation rates, Villaraigosa stresses the need for competence in government.

Villaraigosa's Track Record

• ✅ He presents his mayoral tenure in LA as evidence of his ability to get the job done, noting a reduction in violent crime and significant infrastructure development.
• 🗣️ Villaraigosa also points to his time as Speaker, where he delivered budgets on time and worked across the aisle.
• ⚡ He aims to win by focusing on common sense, getting things done, and competence.

Stance on Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom

• 🤔 Villaraigosa encourages Kamala Harris to enter the race, believing a debate is necessary and that her polling numbers may have declined due to increased media exposure.
• 🏫 He criticizes Governor Newsom's handling of the pandemic, specifically the 18-month school closures, stating he would prioritize education differently.
• 🚀 Villaraigosa is committed to his run regardless of whether Harris decides to compete, looking forward to sharing his vision for California's future.