Willie Brown Warns Kamala Harris: Governor’s Seat May Not Be Her Calling

Podcaster Jon Slavet joined Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson this week to unpack a revealing excerpt from Slavet’s recent interview with former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown—a long-time mentor to Vice President Kamala Harris. The clip shows Brown cautioning Harris against a gubernatorial run, suggesting that her talents may lie elsewhere.

During the conversation, Brown is quoted saying: “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.” His stance struck many as bold, given his deep ties to California and his decades of influence in Democratic politics.

Pressed by Michaelson, Slavet elaborated on Brown’s view of Harris’s strengths—and limitations. “First off, credit to Willie—at age 91, still sharp, still active. He said he doesn’t think the governor’s post is the right fit for her,” Slavet stated. He added that Brown acknowledged Harris’s legal acumen but questioned her ability to function as an executive—a critique coming from someone who has long watched her career unfold.

Michaelson then asked whether Brown ever expressed concerns about her vice presidential path. Slavet affirmed that he did. Brown reportedly told Harris, when she was under consideration for veep, that she might be better suited for a top legal role—specifically Attorney General—rather than the vice presidency. Slavet recalled Brown laughing as he reminisced about his advice: “I got in trouble for this when I said it,” he told Slavet.

“He believed Kamala would shine more in the legal arena than in executive office,” Slavet continued, “and reminded her that path might lead to the Supreme Court—a role he believed could be her ultimate fit.” According to Slavet, after he gave his counsel, Harris never called Brown again. She went on to accept the vice presidency and later make her own run for president.

Michaelson asked the obvious question: Is there still a future for Harris in California politics? Slavet responded by noting the shifting context: “A few months ago, she still had the backing and support of the U.S. government, as Vice President—with staff, security, resources. But now much of that is gone. She has been testing her image and polling ahead of 2028. From reports among those close to her, the outlook is not promising.”

He was blunt: “Her standing nationally is weak. A repeat run for the White House looks doubtful. In California, though, with the party machinery so entrenched, one wonders—will she make a local move anyway?” He acknowledged ongoing speculation about a Harris bid for governor in her home state, but said her polling prospects are fading for both that path and a national run.

The Brown interview has reignited debate about Harris’s future and whether her strengths truly align better with legal rather than executive roles. In California, speculation has hovered over whether she might return to state politics. But with her approval slipping and eyes now on 2028, the question remains: will she pursue the governor’s office—or chart a different course entirely?