LA/OC Building Trades Council Endorses Villaraigosa for CA Governor

The council represents 14 trades, 48 local unions, and over 160,000 skilled workers across Southern California.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council, representing 14 trades, 48 local unions, and over 160,000 skilled workers across Southern California, announced its endorsement of Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor of California. The council cited Villaraigosa's strong track record in creating opportunities for working people and the middle class, his success in building coalitions to tackle tough challenges, and his leadership in attracting business and development to create jobs.

Why it matters

The endorsement from the influential LA/OC Building Trades Council is a significant boost for Villaraigosa's gubernatorial campaign, as the council represents a large and politically active bloc of voters in Southern California. The council's support could help Villaraigosa rally union members and construction workers behind his campaign.

The details

The LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council represents 14 trades, 48 local unions, and over 160,000 skilled workers across Southern California. In its endorsement, the council praised Villaraigosa's record as a labor leader, Assembly Speaker, and Mayor of Los Angeles, noting his success in creating good-paying jobs, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening communities.

  • The LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council announced its endorsement of Antonio Villaraigosa on February 4, 2026.
  • The endorsement comes ahead of the 2026 California gubernatorial election.

The players

Antonio Villaraigosa

A former Assembly Speaker and Mayor of Los Angeles who is running for Governor of California.

LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council

A council representing 14 trades, 48 local unions, and over 160,000 skilled workers across Southern California.

Ernesto Medrano

The Executive Secretary of the LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council.

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What they’re saying

“Antonio is the only candidate with a record as a proven problem solver who understands that we must create good-paying jobs by investing in infrastructure, putting people to work, and strengthening our communities. His leadership on Community Workforce Agreements, prevailing wage, protecting workers, and creating jobs is why we are all in on him.”

— Ernesto Medrano, Executive Secretary, LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council (GlobeNewswire)

What’s next

The endorsement from the LA/OC Building Trades Council is expected to provide a significant boost to Villaraigosa's campaign as he seeks to become the next Governor of California.

The takeaway

The endorsement of Antonio Villaraigosa by the influential LA/OC Building Trades Council highlights the importance of labor unions in California politics and the key role they can play in shaping the outcome of the gubernatorial election.