Los Angeles, July 2025 — Vice President Kamala Harris is once again at the center of speculation over her political future, following striking comments made by her longtime political mentor — and former romantic partner — Willie Brown, the ex-mayor of San Francisco.
For Harris — who has served as a district attorney, attorney general of California, U.S. senator, and vice president — the comments land as both a personal and political jolt. Coming from someone who has been both a mentor and, decades ago, a romantic partner, Brown’s remarks carry more weight than the average pundit’s speculation.
A Mentor’s Perspective
Slavet, recounting his discussion with Brown during an appearance on Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson’s program, described the elder statesman as still sharp and candid at his advanced age.“First of all, kudos to Willie — age 91, still going strong, still sharp. I mean, I think that’s amazing,” Slavet said. “He, in effect, said he doesn’t think governor is a fit for her.”
Brown, now 91, remains an influential voice in California Democratic politics despite having left public office more than two decades ago. In a recent interview with podcaster Jon Slavet, the former mayor offered a blunt assessment of Harris’s career trajectory, suggesting that her next move might not include a run for governor — and perhaps should not.
In a clip from the interview that has circulated widely, Brown did not mince words about Harris’s potential future in California politics.
“She may not want to run for governor of the state of California. That may not be where she should be going,” Brown told Slavet. “I think it’s going to be difficult for her to win that job.”