Since Kamala Harris ascended to the vice presidency, her former boyfriend and political mentor, Willie Brown, has had a go-to line: “She’ll deport my ass.” It’s a phrase he delivers with his signature chuckle, but as time passes, Brown, now 90, has adapted the quip to reflect the evolving circumstances of his life.
“I may get sent back to Mineola,” Brown said recently, a small pause before delivering the punchline. “Sending me back to Texas would be a deportment!”
As the former mayor of San Francisco and influential California Assembly Speaker, Brown has always maintained his witty, irreverent style, even as he contemplates the past. It’s a time for him to reflect on his own journey — from the small, segregated town of Mineola, Texas, to the political powerhouses of California. Like many Black Texans and Louisianans who left in search of greater opportunities, Brown found not only professional success but a sense of fulfillment beyond what he could have imagined as a young man in East Texas.
I met with Brown for a long lunch in June, at Le Central, the restaurant he’s frequented since 1974. A steady companion for these gatherings was his regular crew, which once included luminaries like newspaper columnist Herb Caen and clothier Wilkes Bashford. Today, only Brown and architect Sandy Walker remain. Such is the passage of time.
Over that meal, we discussed Brown’s evolution, particularly as he approaches his tenth decade. His sharp opinions on the state of politics today were tempered with the wisdom of experience. A frequent subject of his musings was Harris, a protege who, over the years, has become the subject of numerous media inquiries. Since President Joe Biden stepped aside, relinquishing the Democratic nomination to his vice president, Brown has become even more vocal about the need for Harris to take full ownership of her political future. He’s been adamant that Biden should step down, allowing voters to see Harris as president before the election. “She needs to embrace the ambiguity of her political identity,” Brown argues, adding that it will allow her to adjust the narrative as she goes.
While no longer in direct contact with Harris, Brown is keen on offering advice. He’s particularly concerned about the tensions between Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom. As a seasoned political operator, Brown is determined to unify these two influential figures of California’s political machine, reminding Newsom to fully embrace Harris, despite any past rivalries. “He’d already agreed long ago that he would never challenge Kamala,” Brown explained. He has also worked behind the scenes to ensure Newsom supports Harris after Biden’s exit from the race.
The two have had their differences, but Brown has been pushing Newsom to align with Harris, even as California’s political landscape has shifted dramatically. Despite the tensions, Brown believes the political framework that he helped build decades ago still holds weight.
As an influential figure who has been shaping California’s political dynamics for decades, Brown’s reflections on Harris carry significant weight. He recalls his involvement with many high-profile figures in politics: Jesse Jackson, former Virginia Governor Doug Wilder, and even Donald Trump, whom Brown once advised on a Los Angeles development deal in the ’90s.
Brown’s influence extends beyond California. While many Democrats look to Harris as a rising star, Brown has also voiced support for other figures, like Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, whom he believes could play a crucial role in future elections if he navigates the political terrain properly.
Though Brown’s circle of close political allies has shrunk over the years, he remains a powerful, guiding force. He was deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of the Biden-Harris campaign and continues to navigate the complex web of California politics, all while looking to the future. His endorsement of Harris and his efforts to unite California’s political heavyweights speak to his enduring influence.
For all of his colorful past and political connections, Brown is still focused on the evolution of his city and the country. The rise of Kamala Harris may be his most significant political legacy, but he remains an ever-present figure in the political arena, offering his unique perspective on how the next chapter in American politics will unfold.
As he said, with characteristic humor and insight: “If she keeps people guessing, she can adjust the interpretation every time she sees you.” In the world of Willie Brown, this game of political maneuvering is far from over.
