On Friday’s episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the host criticized California’s Democrats concerning education and green energy reforms. Maher argued that states like Mississippi and Texas are surpassing California in areas where Democrats often claim leadership.
Maher highlighted education as a democracy’s pillar, expressing concern about California’s school performance compared to Mississippi. He pointed to the proficiency of Black fourth-graders in Mississippi, saying, “Did you know that a Black fourth grader in Mississippi is two and a half times as likely to be proficient in math and reading as one in California?” According to Maher, Mississippi ranks ninth in fourth-grade reading proficiency, while California stands at 37th.
A February 2026 article from The New York Times indicated Black fourth-graders in Mississippi are showing better reading and math scores compared to their counterparts in California. Maher quoted data: 19% of Black fourth-graders in Mississippi are proficient in reading, with 2% achieving advanced levels. California’s figures show 7% proficiency and 1% advanced. In math, 22% of Mississippi’s students are proficient, as against California’s 10%.
“Texas has outstripped California in both solar energy production and capacity,” Maher asserted. “Despite California’s pro-environment policies, Texas has excelled with fewer promotional efforts.”
The Energy Information Administration supports Maher’s claim, reporting Texas produced over 58,634 gigawatt-hours from utility-scale solar in 2025, surpassing California’s output. Texas also led in installed solar capacity by 2024.
Maher criticized the inefficiencies attributed to California’s policies, pointing to permitting and bureaucracy issues. He reasoned that Texas allows for more streamlined building processes, bypassing California’s multitude of regulators, lawyers, and special interest groups.
With San Jose’s Democratic Mayor Matt Mahan aiming for governorship, Maher referenced a UC Berkeley poll showing low support for Mahan at 4%, amid competitors like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer.
Maher also took a swipe at Republicans, mentioning retiring Sen. Thom Tillis and primarybeat Sen. Bill Cassidy, both critical of Trump’s leadership. He quipped about Sen. Mitch McConnell’s criticism of Trump, joking about his lack of vitality.
Fox News Digital contacted Governor Gavin Newsom for comments and is awaiting a response.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. CJ has an extensive background in political analysis and journalism following graduation from Long Beach State University.