Villaraigosa Critiques Democratic Blame on Trump
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat campaigning for governor of California, expressed on Saturday that the state’s Democratic Party shouldn’t attribute California’s ongoing homelessness and affordability issues solely to President Donald Trump.
Villaraigosa labeled Trump a “threat to democracy,” but emphasized that Democrats must own the challenges that have surfaced during their time in power.
“You can’t pin everything on Donald Trump. We currently have the highest rates of homelessness in the country, alongside soaring gas prices, utility bills, and housing costs,” Villaraigosa stated during an appearance on MS NOW’s “The Weekend: Prime Time.” He noted how many people are struggling to pay rent, attributing these issues to Democratic policies.
Having served as mayor from 2005 to 2013, Villaraigosa said his campaign aims to tackle tough issues directly within his own party. “I was the stink bomb in the elevator tackling this challenge,” he remarked. “So this candidacy has significance.”
He also predicted that California’s top-two primary system would lead to a general election featuring a Democrat and a Republican, rather than two candidates from the same party.
“The previous Senate race was between a Democrat and a Republican. The last gubernatorial race also was a Democrat and a Republican, and I believe it will be similar this time,” Villaraigosa claimed. “Experts suggest that two Democrats are more likely to succeed than two Republicans.”
As he explained his motives for running, he traced his roots back to the civil rights movement, criticizing both Trump and the California Democratic Party while doing so.
“I come from the civil rights movement, and I stand here today because of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act,” Villaraigosa said. “And yes, Donald Trump poses a threat to our democracy.”
He cautioned that Democrats are losing moderate voters in California, urging the party to reflect on this trend.
“I have to look in the mirror,” Villaraigosa noted, pointing out that losing centrist voters necessitates some introspection. “When you’re losing centrists, you have to ask, ‘What changes do we need to make to regain credibility as a party?'”
He further argued that California’s reliance on wealthy taxpayers is excessive, warning that increasing taxes could lead to an exodus of residents and revenue.
“This state is too dependent on billionaires and the wealthy,” Villaraigosa asserted. “While we are a progressive state with a progressive tax system, if we lost that base, we would struggle to maintain a balanced budget.”
