"For me, this is a special moment," Bass said at a Crenshaw District news conference attended by various faith and community leaders Tuesday. "I know I have stood at a podium endorsing my brother from another mother on numerous occasions. Because, in fact, we have known each other and worked together our entire adult lives.
"Many, many years before we ever thought that we would wind up being elected officials, but when we were fighting on issues that were common to South L.A. and East L.A., we have always believed that the way you bring about change is you do it together. You build coalitions because our issues and our problems are similar."
Bass spoke outside the headquarters of the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper. She hailed Villaraigosa -- also a former Assembly Speaker in addition to being the 41st mayor of Los Angeles -- for his work on issues ranging from children's health to the environment to the need for a subway/light rail line in the Crenshaw area, which is now running as the Metro K Line.
Bass and Villaraigosa, both Democrats, have known each other for more than 50 years.
Mayor Karen Bass endorses Antonio Villaraigosa for California governor
"We've been working together across this town, focused on the issued that people care about -- safe streets, clean neighborhoods, fair distribution of resources," Villaraigosa said, taking to the podium after Bass. "We've stood up together decade after decade."
"But let's be clear. This isn't just about friendship. We aren't here today because we're all friends. We're here today because these times are difficult. We face big challenges in this state," the former L.A. Mayor said. "We need a broad coalition of people in this state to take on those challenges. And I've said, To whom much is given, much is expected.' I'm here today and that's why I'm so proud to be here with all of you, I'm here today because there was as Civil Rights Act. I'm here today because there was a voting rights act. I'm here today because people fought to open up this country to us."
The race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom has drawn a crowded field of Republican and Democratic candidates, which includes some well-known figures in the state, and many who voters are not familiar with.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she will not run for governor next year, leaving the race wide open without a clear frontrunner.
The primary for the governor's race is June of next year.
City News Service contributed to this report.