Antonio Villaraigosa's Second Act: Can a 'Pragmatist' Lead California?

In 2018, Antonio Villaraigosa's bid for governor ended with a loss to Gavin Newsom. Now, the former Los Angeles mayor is back for a second run, positioning himself as a problem-solver ready to stand up to President Donald Trump while lowering costs for California families. The Democrat points to a political career spanning more than three decades, including two years as speaker of the state Assembly.

Scott and Marisa sit down with Villaraigosa to discuss the lessons learned from past defeats and why he believes California needs a pragmatist now more than ever. Villaraigosa also reflects on his upbringing — navigating poverty, abuse, and a high school expulsion — and how it shaped his views on affordability, education and labor.

This interview is part of a series of conversations with the 2026 gubernatorial candidates for California. The primary election is June 2.

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