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Antonio Ramon VillaraigosaAmerican politician, mayor of Los Angeles
Date of Birth: 23.01.1953
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Antonio Ramon Villaraigosa
Antonio Ramon Villaraigosa was an American political figure and the mayor of Los Angeles. He was born on January 23, 1953, in City Terrace, California.
Education and Early Life
Villaraigosa attended a regular school but faced challenges during his childhood. His father left the family when he was five years old, and at the age of sixteen, he experienced temporary paralysis from a tumor in his spine. Although the issue was resolved, Villaraigosa could no longer participate in sports. He was expelled from a Catholic school for his low grades and involvement in a fight after a football match.
After completing his education in a regular school, Villaraigosa enrolled in East Los Angeles College. He later transferred to the University of California, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History. During his time at the university, he served as a leader in the local chapter of MEChA, an organization that advocated for the interests of Mexican and Latino Americans.
Political Career
Following his university studies, Villaraigosa attended People's College of Law, an unaccredited institution. Despite failing the California bar exam four times, he continued to pursue a career in law but did not obtain an official license to practice.
Villaraigosa began his political career as a field agent for the United Teachers Los Angeles organization. He later became the president of the local chapter of the Civil Liberties Union and the American Federation of Government Employees.
Before becoming mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa served as a member and speaker of the California State Assembly's forty-fifth district and as a council member for the fourteenth district of Los Angeles.
He was elected as the mayor of Los Angeles on May 17, 2005, defeating the incumbent mayor, James Hahn. He was re-elected to the position in 2009. Additionally, he served as an advisor to the Transition Economic Advisory Board under President Barack Obama and worked as an aide during Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2008.
Personal Life
Villaraigosa has two daughters, Marisela Villar and Priscilla Villar-Contreras, both born out of wedlock. In 1987, he married Corina Raigosa and took on a new surname by combining his and her last names. They had two children together, but their marriage ended in 2007. Currently, Villaraigosa's relationship status with local television host Lu Parker is unclear.
