Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) suggested on MSNBC Saturday that freshman Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) plans to launch a presidential run in 2020, saying he expects she will be "knocking on doors" in Iowa.

Villaraigosa made the remarks in response to a question from MSNBC host Hugh Hewitt, who asked if Harris has a stake in California's governor's race. The former mayor is a candidate.

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"Well, not yet. I hope she will support my candidacy, but as you say she is a great candidate. She's going to be knocking on doors in Iowa, I expect. But in any case, I'm focused on this race not the presidential race," Villaraigosa replied.

The former mayor's comments come as speculation surrounding a potential Harris presidential run has mounted in recent months.

The 52-year-old, who served as California's attorney general, has proved to be a valuable asset for the Democratic Party.

The freshman senator raised roughly $600,000 for the party's Senate candidates, and $227,000 in an email for MoveOn.Org, according to sources close to Harris.

She also won attention after being "shushed" by GOP senators during two widely watched congressional hearings earlier this year.