Bipartisan public strategy firm Mercury Public Affairs hired former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as the firm’s co-chairman.
Throughout his political career, Villaraigosa worked with both Democrats and Republicans by building bipartisan coalitions. He will not be lobbying and will instead consult on strategic communications and crisis management. Villaraigosa expects to have an international role with the firm.
During his eight-year term as mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa oversaw major improvements and reforms in transportation, crime reduction, infrastructure, business development, and education. Outside of LA, he held leadership positions in national politics. He served as chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, was president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 2011 to 2012 and was a member of President Barack Obama’s Transition Economic Advisory Board in 2008.