For years, Ana Kasparian has been a prominent voice on The Young Turks, delivering fiery progressive commentary and unapologetically critiquing conservative policies. But lately, Kasparian has found herself at odds with the very political establishment she once staunchly defended. Her recent outburst over the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris running for governor of California in 2026 is just the latest—and loudest—example of her growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party.

During a recent segment with co-host Cenk Uygur, Kasparian didn’t hold back. Upon hearing Uygur suggest that Harris would win the governorship in a “cakewalk” if she decided to run, Kasparian erupted: “No! What are you doing? What are you doing?” Her frustration wasn’t just performative—it was visceral.

“I’m gonna move, Cenk! I’m gonna quit my job, and I’m gonna move.”

It was an emotional outcry, yes, but also a clear reflection of a growing frustration felt not just by Kasparian, but by many progressives who see California—a state often portrayed as a liberal utopia—as a place increasingly plagued by systemic failures and political inertia.

The idea of Kamala Harris running for governor isn’t far-fetched. Harris is no stranger to California politics, having served two terms as Attorney General before becoming a U.S. Senator. And with current Governor Gavin Newsom terming out, Harris would undoubtedly have a massive fundraising edge, institutional backing, and a Democratic voter base that, as Uygur put it, tends to “obey” party leadership.

But Kasparian’s reaction highlights a deeper issue: Harris’ reputation among progressives isn’t exactly glowing. Her tenure as California’s Attorney General was marked by decisions that many on the left view as deeply problematic, from her stance on criminal justice reform to her reluctance to challenge powerful financial institutions during the mortgage crisis.

And let’s not forget her lackluster 2020 presidential campaign—a campaign that fizzled out before a single primary vote was cast. Yet, despite her questionable track record, the Democratic establishment continues to prop her up as the future of the party.

What makes Kasparian’s reaction so compelling is that it isn’t isolated. Earlier this year, Kasparian announced she was leaving the Democratic Party altogether. For someone with such deep progressive roots, that’s not a decision made lightly.

Her reasoning was deeply personal and raw. In an emotional interview with Jillian Michaels, Kasparian recounted a horrifying incident where she was sexually assaulted by two homeless men while walking her dog. The vulnerability in her voice as she described her fear and helplessness was a stark reminder of the very real failures of California’s leadership when it comes to public safety and homelessness.

“And that woke me up,” she said.

It wasn’t just about the attack itself—it was about the broader realization that the policies she had long supported weren’t working. California, despite its progressive promises and sky-high taxes, remains a state deeply divided by wealth inequality, homelessness, crime, and a bureaucratic inability to address these crises effectively.

Kasparian isn’t alone in her frustrations. California has become a paradox: a state with enormous wealth, technological innovation, and political power that somehow can’t keep its streets clean or its residents safe. Progressives like Kasparian are starting to realize that slogans and moral superiority aren’t enough—they want results.

Yet the Democratic establishment in California, much like the national party, seems impervious to criticism from within its own ranks. Figures like Harris are elevated not because of their accomplishments, but because of their connections and perceived loyalty to the party machine.

When Uygur said, “If they, the Democratic Party, said, ‘We anoint Kamala Harris,’ a giant percentage of Democrats in California would go, ‘Yes! We obey,’” he wasn’t wrong. That’s the crux of Kasparian’s frustration: a political culture that rewards blind loyalty over accountability.