Willie Brown on Kamala Harris’ Potential Run for California Governor

Willie Brown, a political leader and former boyfriend of Kamala Harris, recently weighed in on her prospects of becoming California’s governor. In an interview, he expressed concerns about her fitting into the role.

“I think those who pursue public office should really resonate with their future position,” Brown said, reflecting on Harris’ political future during a conversation on the “State of Gold” podcast.

He elaborated that, in his view, Harris’ skills might be better aligned with roles focused on legal matters, such as being an attorney general or perhaps even a Supreme Court judge, rather than in executive positions like the governor’s office.

“She might not be the best candidate for this role,” the 91-year-old Democrat noted, adding that it could be a tough task for her to secure a win.

Brown also highlighted the strong competition for the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race, mentioning, “There are many talented individuals considering a run.”

Harris, now 60, shared a romantic history with Brown when he was a young prosecutor in the mid-1990s. Their relationship reportedly began in 1994 and concluded in 1995 as Brown transitioned into his role as the mayor of San Francisco.

Interestingly, Brown mentioned that Harris hasn’t reached out to him since he had advised her against joining Joe Biden’s 2020 ticket. With a chuckle, he admitted, “I had my reservations about giving her advice.”

“She is bold, tough, and smart enough. If she applies her strengths, she really doesn’t need my input,” he added.

After facing a significant defeat in the 2024 presidential election against President Trump, Harris is contemplating a bid for governor by possibly continuing with Gavin Newsom’s legacy.

Polls indicate that if she decides to enter the race, she would likely emerge as a frontrunner.

Reports suggest she will make a definitive decision by the end of the summer regarding her future plans.

Brown emphasized that understanding what it takes to lead California is essential, indicating that her approach should be more akin to a private sector mindset.

He also applauded the California Forever project spearheaded by Laurene Powell Jobs, which aims to develop a visionary city on the outskirts of San Francisco. He suggested that if Harris adopts a similar approach in her campaign, it could increase her chances of success.