A new interview with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown — a towering figure in California politics and a onetime mentor to Vice President Kamala Harris — is stirring conversation about Harris’s next moves after her vice presidency. Brown, 91, candidly suggested that Harris may struggle in a gubernatorial race and should consider a different path, reigniting questions about her political strengths, legacy, and future ambitions.
The Interview That Sparked Debate
The comments came during an appearance by podcaster Jon Slavet on The Issue Is with Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson. Slavet had recently interviewed Brown, who once had a personal and political relationship with Harris and remains one of the most influential voices in California’s Democratic establishment.
In a clip from the interview, Brown is heard telling Slavet:
“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 engaging despite his age, noting that his advice was striking because of his long history with Harris and his understanding of the California political landscape.
Brown’s Assessment of Harris
According to Slavet, Brown framed Harris as someone whose talents are better suited to the legal world rather than an executive position such as governor. He praised her intellect and courtroom skills but questioned her ability to navigate the sprawling bureaucracy and relentless scrutiny of California’s governorship.
“He talked about her strengths in the legal world, but not as an executive,” Slavet explained. “That was pretty stunning because this is a guy who knows her very well. He’s a legend in Democratic politics, and he’s been a mentor to Kamala.”
Brown reportedly added that he cares deeply about California’s future and suggested Harris might thrive in a different role — possibly one more closely aligned with law and justice rather than administration.
Advice Harris Once Ignored
The conversation also resurfaced an earlier moment when Brown counseled Harris to decline Joe Biden’s offer of the vice presidency. Instead, he urged her to pursue the role of U.S. attorney general, believing it would have given her a stronger platform to showcase her strengths and build a long-term political career.
Michaelson pressed Slavet on this point, and Slavet confirmed:
“What he told me is that when she was one of the final five and Biden was reviewing the final candidates, he recommended to her when she asked him for his advice that he suggest that Biden nominate her as the attorney general instead.”
Brown admitted at the time that his advice drew criticism. Harris ultimately accepted Biden’s offer, making history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian American to become vice president.
Harris’s Career Trajectory
Kamala Harris’s political career has been marked by rapid rises, historic firsts, and equally intense scrutiny. Beginning as a prosecutor in San Francisco, she was elected district attorney in 2003, then became California’s attorney general in 2011. In 2016, she won a U.S. Senate seat, serving until her vice-presidential nomination in 2020.
While Harris has consistently broken barriers, her leadership style has faced criticism. Detractors argue she struggles with consistency in messaging and with executive decision-making. Supporters counter that she has endured uniquely harsh attacks because of her identity and trailblazing role in American politics.
The Challenge of California Politics
Brown’s skepticism about Harris’s gubernatorial prospects highlights the complexity of California’s political environment. Although Democrats dominate state politics, the governorship demands broad-based support across an electorate of nearly 40 million people. Candidates must balance the demands of progressive activists with the concerns of moderate and independent voters, while also managing one of the largest state economies in the world.
Current Governor Gavin Newsom has already faced challenges maintaining unity in the Democratic base. Harris, who has at times struggled with approval ratings as vice president, would face an uphill climb to convince Californians that she could successfully manage such a vast and demanding role.
Harris and the 2028 Question
Brown’s comments also come amid speculation about the Democratic field for 2028. With President Biden’s political future uncertain and other figures like Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg often floated as possible contenders, Harris’s next move carries high stakes.
If she chooses not to run for governor, the question remains whether she will position herself for another national role, attempt a presidential bid, or seek a return to legal and judicial positions. Brown’s suggestion that she would be better suited outside the governorship could influence both Harris’s decision-making and the perception of Democratic voters.
Willie Brown’s Enduring Influence
Though retired from elected office for two decades, Willie Brown remains a central figure in California political conversations. As speaker of the California Assembly for 15 years and mayor of San Francisco from 1996 to 2004, he was known as a skilled dealmaker and power broker.
His mentorship of Harris early in her career gave her valuable connections and opportunities, and his views on her political strengths carry weight, particularly among those who have followed her trajectory since the 1990s.
Reactions to Brown’s Remarks
Political observers are divided on Brown’s comments. Some see his skepticism as confirmation of Harris’s struggles to establish herself as a strong executive leader. Others argue that Harris, like many politicians, has faced setbacks but remains capable of shaping her own political destiny.
For critics, Brown’s remarks feed into existing doubts about Harris’s readiness for higher office. For supporters, they are a reminder of the unique challenges she has faced and a call to redefine her role in American politics.
What It Means Going Forward
Harris’s political future is far from settled. While Brown may believe the California governorship is not the right fit, Harris has demonstrated resilience and an ability to seize opportunities. Whether she pursues another national campaign, returns to legal leadership, or surprises observers with a new path, her next move will be closely watched.
As Democrats look ahead to 2028 and beyond, Harris’s decisions will shape not only her own career but also the broader trajectory of the party. Brown’s comments add another layer of intrigue to an already uncertain political landscape.
Conclusion
Willie Brown’s candid remarks about Kamala Harris highlight both the promise and the challenges of her career. His advice — past and present — underscores a perception that Harris is strongest when operating within the legal and judicial world rather than the political executive sphere.
Whether Harris heeds that perspective or charts her own course remains to be seen. What is certain is that, as one of the most visible figures in American politics today, every decision she makes will reverberate far beyond California.