Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stepped firmly into California’s 2026 governor’s race this week, endorsing former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The two leaders go back more than 50 years, first meeting as activists in the 1970s.

At a press event in South Los Angeles, Bass praised Villaraigosa’s long record of public service. She highlighted his work as Assembly speaker expanding healthcare access for children and his efforts as mayor to advance public transportation and environmental initiatives. “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,” Bass said.

Villaraigosa welcomed the endorsement, calling Bass “a fierce advocate for working families” and underscoring their decades-long alliance.

The field to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom is crowded. Alongside Villaraigosa are prominent Democrats including former Rep. Katie Porter, former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former legislative leader Toni Atkins, state Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former Controller Betty Yee. On the Republican and independent side, businessman Stephen Cloobeck, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and conservative commentator Steve Hilton are in the mix.

Early polling suggests Porter and Bianco have a slight edge, but the race remains wide open ahead of the June primary. Voters are currently more focused on November’s special election to redraw congressional districts, leaving the governor’s contest in the background for now.

Bass’ endorsement could help Villaraigosa consolidate support among Black voters, a crucial bloc that played a major role in his 2005 mayoral victory. Whether her backing translates into broader momentum is unclear, as her own favorability has fluctuated since taking office. Still, with eight months to go, her move signals the start of a high-stakes battle for California’s top job.