Bill Maher Critiques California Democrats on Education and Green Energy

On Friday’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the host took aim at the California Democratic Party, expressing concerns about education and green energy standards. He suggested that states like Mississippi and Texas are achieving better results in areas where Democrats typically campaign.

“Democrats, these are your issues: education, race, environment,” Maher remarked. “And with all due respect, you’re getting outperformed by, well, Waffle House—the state known for putting cars on your lawn.”

He highlighted the stark contrasts in educational performance, noting that in Mississippi, black students in fourth grade are significantly more likely to excel in reading and math compared to their peers in California.

“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 questioned. “Mississippi is thriving with much less funding and support. We’re ranked 37th in fourth-grade reading, while they’re 9th.”

Maher referenced a February 9, 2026, New York Times article, emphasizing the alarming statistics regarding national test scores for black students. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress Snapshot, the figures were indeed troubling: Mississippi’s black fourth graders achieved a 19% proficiency rate in reading versus California’s 7%.

When it came to math, Mississippi again outperformed California with a 22% proficiency rate, compared to just 10% in California.

Maher pointed out that Texas has also made significant advancements in clean energy, overtaking California in solar power and making notable progress in wind energy. “How can we boast about nice bumper stickers on our Priuses yet fail to implement effective climate policies?” he asked. Texas generated 58,634 gigawatt-hours of utility-scale solar power in 2025, surpassing California’s 53,713 gigawatt-hours.

He attributed these differences to zoning laws and bureaucratic hurdles, stating, “It boils down to the fact that we’re simply allowed to build things there. In California, it seems like one in three people is dedicated to halting progress.”

He also touched on local politics, mentioning San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who is vying for the governor’s seat. A freshly released poll indicated that Mahan holds a mere 4% approval rating, with prominent figures like former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer leading the race.

Maher made a rather striking statement, warning that the state might become increasingly frustrating to live in unless there’s a significant awakening among Democrats. He pinpointed the issues that lay heavy on California’s citizens: unions, bureaucrats, lawyers, and regulators. “It’s these groups that are, quite frankly, creating chaos and inefficiencies,” he asserted. “We’re stuck with railroads that don’t get built, potholes that go unfilled, and an education system that fails our children.”

He didn’t shy away from critiquing Republicans as well, pointing out the irony in some GOP senators suddenly distancing themselves from former President Trump’s antics as they prepare to retire.

Attempts to reach California Governor Gavin Newsom for comment went unanswered.