Despite boasting a strong climate record, Villaraigosa shifts focus towards the oil sector in his bid for governor.

Despite boasting a strong climate record, Villaraigosa shifts focus towards the oil sector in his bid for governor.

In California's gubernatorial race, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has faced criticism for his recent support of the struggling oil industry, a shift away from his previous environmental champion status. Over the past three decades, Villaraigosa has secured more than $1 million in campaign contributions and financial support from oil companies and related donors, according to city and state fundraising disclosures.

Since his entrance into the race last year, Villaraigosa has accepted over $176,000 in oil-industry-tied donations, including from companies with operations in the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles County. This clash between Villaraigosa's environmentalist credentials and financial ties to the oil industry has emerged as the California gubernatorial race heats up, with the state setting ambitious climate goals.

The refinery closures of Valero and Phillips 66 have highlighted the tension between environmental objectives and concerns about rising living costs. Villaraigosa has been vocal in warning that California drivers could face soaring gas prices due to what he perceives as harmful policies, and he has criticized the potential closures as "absurd." He insists he is not fighting for refineries but for the working-class Californians who are impacted by gas prices.

This stance has stirred controversy among environmental groups that have traditionally viewed Villaraigosa as an ally. RL Miller, the president of Climate Hawks Vote and chair of the California Democratic Party's environmental caucus, has expressed concern over the contributions Villaraigosa has accepted since entering the race last year. According to Miller, these donations violate a pledge Villaraigosa signed during his unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial bid to not accept campaign contributions from oil companies and executives at fossil-fuel entities.

Villaraigosa's vocal support for the oil industry has upset some environmentally-focused voters. However, he argues that California Democrats are focusing too much on achieving climate change goals without considering the potential negative impact on working-class Americans. He suggests that an "all-of-the-above" approach that includes solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear power, and oil and gas is necessary to achieve the state's net-zero emissions goal.

While other Democrats in the 2026 governor's race have signed the pledge not to accept contributions from oil industry interests, Villaraigosa has not. This could indicate a strategic decision to appeal to voters concerned about rising living costs rather than focusing exclusively on environmental concerns. The broader debate speaks to a divide among Democrats about balancing climate change efforts with concerns about affordability as California prepares for future battles with the Trump administration over environmental policies.

1. The politics of California's gubernatorial race have been influenced by former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's shift in support towards the oil industry.
2. For three decades, Villaraigosa has received over $1 million in financial support from oil companies.
3. Villaraigosa has accepted over $176,000 in oil-industry-tied donations since entering the gubernatorial race last year.
4. The clash between Villaraigosa's environmentalist credentials and his ties to the oil industry has emerged as a significant issue in the race.
5. The potential closures of Valero and Phillips 66 refineries have highlighted the tension between environmental objectives and rising living costs.
6. Villaraigosa has warned that California drivers could face soaring gas prices due to harmful policies.
7. He has criticized the potential refinery closures as "absurd" and insists he is not fighting for refineries, but for the working-class Californians impacted by gas prices.
8. This stance has stirred controversy among environmental groups.
9. RL Miller, president of Climate Hawks Vote, has expressed concern over the contributions Villaraigosa has received since entering the race.
10. Miller believes these donations violate a pledge Villaraigosa signed not to accept campaign contributions from oil companies and executives at fossil-fuel entities.
11. Villaraigosa's vocal support for the oil industry has upset some environmentally-focused voters.
12. Villaraigosa argues that California Democrats are too focused on climate change goals without considering the potential negative impact on working-class Americans.
13. He suggests an "all-of-the-above" approach that includes renewable energy and oil and gas to achieve the state's net-zero emissions goal.
14. Other Democrats in the 2026 governor's race have signed a pledge not to accept contributions from oil industry interests.
15. Villaraigosa's lack of signing this pledge could indicate a strategic decision to appeal to voters concerned about rising living costs.
16. This decision also speaks to a divide among Democrats about balancing climate change efforts with affordability concerns.
17. The debate reflects California's preparation for future battles with the Trump administration over environmental policies.
18. Economy, business, and finance sectors are heavily influenced by the gubernatorial race and its candidates' stance on the oil industry.
19. Science and environmental science play a significant role in the ongoing debate over the oil industry's impact on climate change and the economy.
20. Climate change and renewable energy are critical concerns for the state and its residents.
21. California's ambitious climate goals require a balanced approach to address both environmental concerns and affordability.
22. Industries such as manufacturing, retail, and automotive are impacted by the state's environmental policies and the health of the oil industry.
23. Housing, home improvement, and real estate are also affected by oil-industry-related policies and the state's focus on climate change.
24. Transportation, public transit, and car accidents are areas where the state's environmental policies and safety regulations intersect.
25. Health, including public health and healthcare policies, is another area affected by the state's focus on environmental concerns and the oil industry.
26. Education, including environmental education and STEM programs, are crucial for the state's future in dealing with climate change and transitioning to renewable energy.
27. Law, including policy and legislation, plays a critical role in the regulation of the oil industry and the protection of the environment.
28. Government, including local and state government, is responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and promoting renewable energy.
29. Entertainment and lifestyle industries, such as interior design, cooking, and fashion, are affected by the state's environmental policies and consumer preferences.
30. Technology, including artificial intelligence, data and cloud computing, and fintech, are critical for managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change and transitioning to renewable energy.
31. Wearables, smart home devices, and cybersecurity are areas where innovation can help address climate change and promote sustainability.
32. Outdoor living, gardening, and sustainable living are essential for reducing the state's carbon footprint and promoting a greener lifestyle.
33. Food and drink, including baking and food-and-drink trends, are areas where sustainability and environmental consciousness can be integrated.
34. War and conflicts, migration, and policy and legislation are factors that impact environmental issues and the oil industry in complex ways.
35. General news, crime and justice, accidents, and fires are events that highlight the interconnectedness of political, environmental, and social issues.
36. Diversity and inclusion, leadership, and entrepreneurship are vital for driving innovation and reform in the state's approach to climate change and the oil industry.
37. Infrastructure, including transportation and housing infrastructure, is a key aspect of the state's response to climate change and its transition to renewable energy.
38. Venture capital and small business are essential for driving innovation and economic growth in California's renewable energy sector.
39. Personal finance, investing, wealth management, and saving are areas where individuals can contribute to the state's transition to renewable energy and address climate change.

Read also: