Willie Brown Suggests Kamala Harris Should Rethink Her Political Future!

A recent interview with former San Francisco mayor and longtime Democratic power broker Willie Brown has reignited debate over Vice President Kamala Harris’s political future. Brown, now 91, spoke candidly about Harris’s prospects after leaving the White House, suggesting that California’s governorship may not be the right next step for her. His remarks are drawing attention not only because of his long political career but also because of his close personal and professional history with Harris.

The Comments That Sparked the Discussion

The conversation surfaced during a podcast appearance by Jon Slavet on The Issue Is with Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson. Slavet recently interviewed Brown, who once mentored Harris early in her career and remains a highly influential voice in California politics.

In the clip, Brown is heard saying:

“She may not want to run for governor of the state of California. That may not be where she should be going. I think it’s going to be difficult for her to win that job.”

Slavet described Brown as sharp and engaged despite his age, and emphasized how striking the comments were given Brown’s political stature and personal connection to Harris.

Why Brown Thinks Harris Should Pivot

Brown suggested that Harris’s strengths lie in the legal and judicial arenas, not necessarily in executive roles such as governor. While he praised her intellect and courtroom skill, he raised doubts about her ability to manage the vast, complicated machinery of California’s state government.

According to Slavet, Brown framed Harris as someone who thrives in legal strategy but may struggle under the relentless scrutiny and wide-ranging responsibilities of running the world’s fifth-largest economy. He implied that Harris could make a stronger mark by pursuing a path more rooted in justice and law than in administration.

The Advice Harris Once Ignored

Brown’s new comments also resurfaced his earlier advice to Harris in 2020, when she was under consideration as Joe Biden’s running mate. At the time, Brown urged Harris to decline the vice-presidential slot if offered and instead angle for U.S. attorney general. In his view, the attorney general’s office would have highlighted Harris’s prosecutorial strengths while giving her a national platform to build long-term credibility.

“She asked him for his advice, and he recommended that she suggest Biden nominate her as attorney general instead,” Slavet recounted in the interview.

Harris ultimately ignored that advice. She accepted Biden’s offer, making history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American to become vice president. While the move cemented her place in history, it also exposed her to intense political scrutiny and criticism that has followed her throughout her tenure.

Harris’s Career Path and Record

Harris has risen quickly through the ranks of American politics. After working as a prosecutor in San Francisco, she became the city’s district attorney in 2003. In 2011, she won statewide office as California attorney general, and by 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate. Four years later, she joined the Biden ticket, achieving one of the highest offices in American politics.

But her rapid ascent has not been without challenges. Critics argue that she has struggled with consistent messaging and has not always projected strong executive leadership. Supporters counter that Harris has faced extraordinary barriers, from heightened scrutiny to racial and gender bias, that have made her path uniquely difficult.

The High Bar of California Politics

Brown’s skepticism highlights the daunting nature of California politics. While Democrats dominate the state, its governorship is one of the most demanding jobs in American politics. Any candidate must appeal to a diverse electorate of nearly 40 million people, balancing progressive priorities with the concerns of moderates and independents.

Even current Governor Gavin Newsom has faced major challenges uniting his party while managing issues such as homelessness, wildfires, housing shortages, and a multitrillion-dollar economy. For Harris—who has faced mixed approval ratings as vice president—the road to convincing Californians she is the right leader would be steep.

The Broader 2028 Picture

Brown’s comments also touch on the bigger question looming over the Democratic Party: who will lead it into 2028 and beyond. With Biden’s long-term political future uncertain, speculation has swirled around figures such as Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Harris, by virtue of her position as vice president, remains central to that conversation.

If she chooses not to run for governor, Harris could consider a second presidential bid, seek another national role, or even return to the legal field in a capacity that highlights her prosecutorial skills. Brown’s suggestion that she should steer away from executive office could weigh on both her decision-making and how voters perceive her.

Willie Brown’s Continued Influence

Although he retired from office in 2004, Willie Brown’s voice still carries significant weight in California politics. As speaker of the California Assembly for 15 years and later mayor of San Francisco, he was known as a master strategist and dealmaker. His mentorship of Harris early in her career gave her valuable political capital and access to networks that helped her rise.

That history makes his recent assessment even more pointed. Whether one agrees with his view or not, Brown remains one of the few figures who can credibly speak about Harris’s strengths from both personal and political experience.

Reactions to His Remarks

Reaction to Brown’s comments has been divided. Critics of Harris see his words as confirmation of her difficulties with executive leadership. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that Harris has been held to a higher standard than her peers and that dismissing her future prospects is premature.

Some analysts interpret Brown’s words less as a takedown and more as a strategic redirection—encouraging Harris to embrace the areas where she shines instead of pursuing roles where she may be more vulnerable.

What It Means for Harris

Ultimately, Harris’s next steps remain uncertain. She has shown resilience throughout her career, often overcoming skepticism and seizing historic opportunities. While Brown may believe California’s governorship is not her path, Harris has repeatedly defied conventional wisdom.

What is clear is that her choices after leaving the vice presidency will carry weight not just for her career but for the Democratic Party as it defines its future leadership. Whether she seeks another national campaign, embraces a legal role, or carves out a new path entirely, Harris remains one of the most closely watched figures in American politics.

Brown’s candid remarks add another layer of complexity to the ongoing conversation, reminding both Harris and her supporters that political strength comes in many forms—and that the next chapter of her career may depend on recognizing where her talents can shine most brightly.