Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa picked up a key endorsement from his successor, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a press conference on Tuesday.
The press conference took place outside a Black-owned newspaper, Los Angeles Sentinel, in the Crenshaw district. Villaraigosa called for a mass organizing movement for Black and Latinx Californians to challenge President Donald Trump’s recent legislative policies.
“I’ve never seen military-style raids in this town or any town in the United States. I’ve never seen people covered up like the Klan from head to toe. I’ve never seen unidentified law enforcement come in with assault weapons, flashbang grenades –dividing children from their mothers in hospitals and schools,” said Villaraigosa. “I think it’s time for peaceful demonstrations all over this country to say ‘no’ to a Supreme Court that doesn’t believe in civil liberties and human rights.”
Villaraigosa expressed dismay with the current United States administration’s ICE raids and redistricting plans in California. In November, California will hold a special election to vote on Proposition 50, which aims to redraw the state’s congressional districts for elections through 2030.
Villaraigosa supports Proposition 50, which Democrats say could flip five congressional seats in their favor in California, a move taken in retaliation against the Texas legislature adding Republican seats. The special election will take place on Nov. 4.
“I support giving people the right to voice whether or not we’re to allow Donald Trump to continue to rig an election,” said Villaraigosa.
Villaraigosa promised his support for Black and Latinx residents in combating ongoing ICE raids and supporting Altadena and the Palisades in wildfire recovery.
“I’m going to work with you to rebuild the Palisades and work with the other mayors to rebuild Altadena,” said Villaraigosa. “We’ll take on this insurance crisis that we have. We’ll work hand-in-hand with you to address the homelessness we have in this town.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ political allyship with Villaraigosa dates back to 1973 when they formed a coalition against police abuse. Bass explained that she endorsed Villaraigosa because she believes in his strong political record as a California State Assembly Member and their decades-long political allyship.
“And I know that as California’s next governor, you were talking about someone who knows the legislature,” said Bass. “Before either of us ever imagined being elected officials, we have stood with each other… It is only consistent and logical that I would be here today.”
Villaraigosa was endorsed by numerous Black community and faith leaders in the Los Angeles community including Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Former State Senator Kevin Murray, Pastor Charles Blake II and leader of the Los Angeles Urban League Cynthia Mitchell-Heard.
“People want somebody who gets things done and that’s what I am,” said Villaraigosa.
The California governor election will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.