Kamala Harris' remarkable political career, which has seen her ascend to the highest echelons of American politics, has long been shadowed by the whispers and allegations that her meteoric rise was significantly aided by her relationship with Willie Brown, a powerful California politician. These allegations, while often dismissed by her supporters, are examined in detail in Peter Schweizer’s investigative work Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite, offering a deep dive into the dynamics that may have played a critical role in Harris’ career trajectory.
In the mid-1990s, Harris, then a 29-year-old up-and-coming lawyer, caught the eye of Brown, who was then one of the most influential figures in California politics. Brown, who served as the Speaker of the California State Assembly and later as the mayor of San Francisco, was known not only for his political clout but also for his lavish lifestyle and connections to the state’s wealthiest and most powerful circles.
Their relationship, which lasted less than two years, came at a time when Brown was separated from his wife. Despite the brevity of their romance, it had lasting implications for Harris’ career. Critics have pointed to Brown's significant role in securing lucrative positions for Harris, including appointments to state commissions that paid substantial salaries without requiring legislative confirmation. This relationship has led some to brand Brown as Harris’ “kingmaker,” a figure who opened doors to the corridors of power in California politics.
According to Schweizer, Harris' relationship with Brown was not just personal but also highly strategic. Brown’s extensive network of political allies, donors, and influential figures became accessible to Harris, helping her navigate and rise within the political landscape. This connection allowed her to be seen with Brown at high-profile events, further embedding her in the elite circles of San Francisco.
The relationship also reportedly included material benefits, such as Brown gifting Harris a BMW and supporting her career through strategic appointments. These actions, according to Schweizer and other observers, were instrumental in laying the groundwork for Harris' later success, including her election as San Francisco’s district attorney in 2003, and her subsequent rise to state attorney general and U.S. senator.
Despite the end of their romantic involvement, Harris and Brown maintained a professional relationship. Brown continued to be a significant influence in Harris' career, particularly as she made the transition from local to state politics. His support and the connections she cultivated during their time together were pivotal as she challenged and eventually unseated her former boss, Terence Hallinan, to become San Francisco's top prosecutor.
As Harris' political star continued to rise, culminating in her selection as Vice President Joe Biden's running mate in the 2020 election, the narrative of her early relationship with Brown has persisted as a point of both intrigue and controversy. While Harris has often downplayed the influence of Brown on her career, critics argue that his support was a decisive factor in her ascent, raising questions about the true nature of her "bootstrap" journey.
Today, as Harris stands as one of the most powerful women in American politics, the shadow of her early relationship with Willie Brown continues to provoke debate about the intersections of power, influence, and political ambition.