Bill Maher Critiques California Democrats’ Education and Energy Policies

On Friday’s episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the host took aim at the California Democratic Party regarding their handling of education and green energy. He noted that states like Mississippi and Texas are outperforming California in key areas that Democrats typically emphasize in their campaigns.

Maher directly addressed Democrats, saying, “These are your issues: education, race, environment. And I say this with love: You’re losing to Waffle House, the state that puts cars on your lawn.”

He found it particularly hard to justify California’s educational outcomes when contrasted with Mississippi’s, especially pointing out the performance of Black fourth graders. “Did you know that Black fourth graders in Mississippi are 2.5 times more likely to score in math and reading than those in California?” Maher asserted, adding that Mississippi spends far less on education and still ranks better.

Citing a New York Times article, he emphasized the stark differences: “A Black child in Mississippi is 2.5 times as likely to achieve reading proficiency by fourth grade as a Black child in California.”

According to the latest educational assessment, Black fourth graders in Mississippi scored 19% proficient in reading and 22% in math. In California, the numbers were 7% and 10% respectively, which is kind of surprising, right?

Shifting gears, Maher talked about green energy, pointing out that Texas is overtaking California in both solar and wind power. “Texas generated 58,634 gigawatt-hours of solar power in 2025, while California managed 53,713 gigawatt-hours,” he stated. This comes despite California having a reputation for more climate-friendly policies—odd, isn’t it?

He attributed the disparity to issues with permits and construction policies. “We’re allowed to build there,” Maher noted, contrasting California’s more cumbersome bureaucracy.

He also referenced San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a Democrat with a dismal 4% approval rating in a recent poll, and argued that various groups, including unions and bureaucrats, impede progress in California. Maher stated, “That’s why railroads aren’t built, potholes aren’t filled, the homeless aren’t housed, and kids don’t learn.”

Not to spare Republicans either, Maher highlighted some senators who criticize President Trump, remarking that their newfound bravery seems to coincide with their retirements. He jokingly wished that Mitch McConnell had shared his views when he was still in office.

When reached for comment, Gov. Gavin Newsom did not respond immediately.