Antonio Villaraigosa getting married again

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is widely expected to run for governor in 2018, said Thursday he is getting married again.

He announced his engagement on Twitter: “I’m so happy to share that Patricia Govea said “YES!!” We are getting married & want to thank everyone for your well wishes.”

The 63-year-old Democrat is expected to join a wide-open race to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018.

Villaraigosa attended a Holy Week event with Govea on Friday, where the two served food to the needy and told La Opinion that their relationship began last year. He said they planned to marry this year, and was coy about whether an announcement on running governor would come before the wedding.

Govea said she was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 2004.

Villaraigosa faced scrutiny while in office for an extramarital affair with a television reporter that led to the breakup of his marriage in 2007.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced his own candidacy for governor and is already raising money for the effort. In addition to Villaraigosa, state Treasurer John Chiang and former state Controller Steve Westly are expected to run. Other Democrats, including Tom Steyer, the billionaire environmentalist, might enter the race, as well.

David Siders

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 6:35 PM.