Antonio Villaraigosa: “Uncontested Elections Are a Threat to Democracy” | LZ Granderson Show

Former Los Angeles Mayor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about power, leadership, and the future of American democracy. From his first run for office to lessons learned in defeat, Villaraigosa reflects on what politics taught him — and why so few people challenge incumbents today.They dive into:Why Antonio Villaraigosa first ran for office (4:43)How he handled both victory and loss (11:58)Whether too many older politicians still dominate government (20:58)His reaction to Prop 50 and what it reveals about modern politics (30:32)Why uncontested elections weaken civic engagement (32:52)The “three tiers” of American voters — and why most people fall into the wrong one (35:30)🎙️ Plus: Villaraigosa discusses his upcoming run for Governor of California in 2026, what’s driving him to go for the state’s highest office, and what the people of California should expect from his campaign.#AntonioVillaraigosa #LZGranderson #CaliforniaPolitics #Democracy #Governorship #Elections #Podcast #Leadership From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits. For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/ Connect on Social MediaTwitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=enThreads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgrandersonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/