Bill Maher Critiques California Democrats on Education and Green Energy

Bill Maher used his platform on ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ to express criticism towards California Democrats. He compared the deep-blue state unfavorably to Mississippi and Texas on key issues like education and green energy.

‘Democrats, these are your issues: education, race, the environment,’ Maher stated. He described Democrat-run California as losing ground on these topics, using the example of improved school results in Mississippi.

Data shows that a Black fourth grader in Mississippi has higher proficiency rates in math and reading compared to one in California. Specifically, Maher pointed out that Mississippi students are two and a half times more likely to be proficient.

‘Mississippi is outperforming California in education for less money,’ Maher remarked. California ranks 37th in fourth-grade reading, while Mississippi stands at ninth.

Beyond education, Maher discussed Texas’s advancements in clean energy, noting its progress in solar and wind energy compared to California. Despite having no pro-climate policies, Texas provides impressive results.

Data highlighted that Texas exceeded California in utility-scale solar production, with Texas generating 58,634 gigawatt-hours compared to California’s 53,713 gigawatt-hours. Texas also surpassed California in installed solar capacity while accounting for large-scale installations.

Maher criticized California’s permitting, building policies, and bureaucracy, attributing these to delays in development and achievement.

‘In Texas, you’re allowed to build more efficiently,’ Maher argued. ‘The overabundance of regulatory roles in California hinders progress.’

Maher mentioned San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who is running for governor on a Democratic ticket and referenced a UC Berkeley poll showing Mahan at 4%. He connected rising dissatisfaction with the state’s bureaucratic challenges to Mahan’s campaign.

The HBO host did not spare Republicans from criticism. He referred to certain Republican senators dissatisfied with former President Trump’s conduct but highlighted that their dissent coincided with retirement plans.

Maher hoped that people would engage in policy changes before leaving office rather than waiting until retirement.

Attempts were made to reach Governor Gavin Newsom for comments, but there was no immediate response.

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, continues to analyze political discussions and journalistic media influences. Graduating with a focus in Political Science and Journalism, CJ joined Fox News Digital in 2026.