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Both the current Los Angeles mayor, Eric Garcetti, and his predecessor, Antonio Villaraigosa, will have speaking roles at this week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Garcetti was ever so briefly imagined as a vice presidential running mate for Hillary Clinton, and Villaraigosa is a longtime Clinton supporter who is prepping for a likely run for governor when the office is open in two years. Both are on the schedule for Thursday.
Both mayors are vocal critics of the Donald Trump campaign and active if unofficial surrogates for Clinton.
.@TimKaine, former mayor and governor from a purple state, is a practical progressive with the courage of his convictions. #ImWithThem
— Antonio Villaraigosa (@villaraigosa) July 23, 2016
Villaraigosa stamped down speculation that he would be a replacement for Democratic National Committee chairman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. He's too busy with the unannounced campaign for governor and he endorsed interim chair Donna Brazile. "Donna is a fantastic choice,” Villaraigosa told Variety. “She is really well loved by both party elders and by the rank and file. She is the perfect person to bring Democrats together between now and election day.”
Villaraigosa was chairman of the Democrats' convention four years ago.
Los Angeles area Reps. Maxine Waters, Ted Lieu, Adam Schiff, Judy Chu, Linda Sanchez and Xavier Becerra are also scheduled to speak at the convention. Among the LA officials attending in various capacities are City Council members Joe Buscaino, David Ryu, Bob Blumenfield and Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
