Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has officially thrown her support behind Antonio Villaraigosa in the race for California's next governor, marking a notable moment in the state's political narrative. In a statement obtained by CBS News Los Angeles, Bass expressed her belief in Villaraigosa's longstanding commitment to social and economic justice, suggesting these qualities make him well-equipped to face California's challenges and "stand up to the White House's attacks on our state."
With her endorsement, Bass appears to firmly align herself with a familiar ally. Villaraigosa supported her mayoral campaign in 2022 and was part of her transition team. According to ABC7, Bass is expected to have already made this endorsement public at a press conference held Tuesday morning. The announcement contributes to an already bustling gubernatorial race and comes after former Vice President Kamala Harris clarified that she will not be running.
Los Angeles and California at large face a pivotal moment with notable Democratic figures like Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, and Tony Thurmond also in the race. Villaraigosa responded warmly to Bass's endorsement, stating, "I am honored to have the endorsement of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Mayor Bass is a fierce advocate for working families, children, seniors, and underserved communities and a tireless champion for social and economic justice and for the people of Los Angeles," as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
With the election approaching, each candidate is working hard to secure support among Californians. Bass’s endorsement, delivered outside the Los Angeles Sentinel, a Black-owned weekly newspaper, carries both political and symbolic weight.
