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Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Thursday began his 2018 bid for governor with a a new website, confirming his entrance into what is expected to be a competitive California race.

Former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July. (Credit: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times)
Former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July. (Credit: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times)

After a three-year hiatus from the political limelight, Villaraigosa joins a heady field of candidates that is expected to grow larger in the months ahead.

The Democrat’s decision comes after months of relatively quiet, subtle moves to drift back the conscious of the California electorate, including an extended “listening tour” through the drought-ravaged Central Valley.

While Villaraigosa remains a familiar political figure in California, he will face tough competition among fellow Democrats.

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