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Scrutiny over Kamala Harris' affair with a married politician resurfaces as her political career faces new challenges.
As Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, her past actions and relationships come under intense examination.
Central to this scrutiny is the claim that an extramarital affair with a powerful politician, Willie Brown, played a crucial role in launching her political career. Despite denials and defenses from liberal factions, the evidence suggests that Harris benefited significantly from this controversial relationship.
Harris' career trajectory gained momentum in 1994, when she began an affair with Willie Brown, then the influential Speaker of the California State Assembly. At the time, Harris was 29, and Brown was 60. Despite being estranged from his wife for a decade, Brown’s influence undeniably opened doors for Harris. That year, Brown appointed Harris to the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, a position that paid the equivalent of $205,800 per year in today’s money. Shortly after, she received another lucrative appointment from Brown to the California Medical Assistance Commission, earning $152,600 annually in today’s terms. Both roles required minimal work, allowing Harris to focus on her ambitions.
Critics argue that these appointments were clear instances of political favoritism. Former California Republican state assemblyman Brett Granlund bluntly stated, “Screwing the speaker has its rewards,” highlighting the perceived quid-pro-quo nature of Harris’ rise. During her tenure on the commissions, Harris reportedly missed 20% of her meetings, further fueling criticism about her qualifications and commitment.
In 1995, the Harris-Brown relationship ended, but the political groundwork laid by these appointments had already set Harris on a path toward greater ambitions. Brown’s subsequent election as Mayor of San Francisco and his support for Harris' first race for district attorney underscored the enduring impact of their relationship on her career.
By 2019, Harris' past affair became a focal point during her campaign for the Democratic presidential primary. In a defensive op-ed, Brown acknowledged his role in advancing Harris’ career but downplayed its significance, comparing it to his support for other prominent politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom. Despite attempts to defuse the situation, the affair remains a contentious issue, with conservatives using it to question Harris' integrity and liberals striving to portray her as a qualified and independent leader.
Fact-checking by Reuters labeled the affair claim as "missing context," noting Brown's estranged marriage status. However, the core issue remains: Harris' political ascent was undeniably influenced by her relationship with a powerful, albeit technically married, politician. This relationship granted her access to highly paid, low-effort political appointments, which she leveraged into a successful political career. As Harris begins her presidential run, the shadows of her past continue to challenge the narrative of her qualifications and merit.
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