Sen. Adam Schiff Shares Candid Story About Crime and Public Frustration in California
Senator Adam Schiff recently spoke on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” offering a surprisingly frank assessment of how crime and public perception are affecting political sentiment in California—even in traditionally Democratic strongholds.
During the segment, Schiff referenced a recent poll that revealed half of surveyed Californians would consider voting for a Republican in the 2026 gubernatorial election. He acknowledged that growing concerns around safety and theft are forcing a reevaluation of public policy.
“We’re going to have to change how we do business in California,” Schiff said. “We need to address people’s legitimate concerns about crime.”
The senator, who has previously supported bail reform and other justice-related initiatives, pointed to a personal experience that brought the issue home for him. While visiting South San Francisco, he left luggage in his car—something he typically avoids doing—and it was stolen.
“They always say not to leave valuables in your car. I usually don’t, but the one time I did, my luggage was taken,” he recalled.
The story resonated with the audience and highlighted a broader trend of frustration in urban areas where theft and retail crime have become more visible. Reports of organized retail theft, including flash mob-style robberies, have raised public concerns, especially after changes to laws that reduced penalties for certain types of property crimes.
Schiff also described an interaction with a Target store cashier on the same trip. After finding it difficult to even access basic items like shampoo due to locked cabinets—a common security measure in many stores—the conversation at checkout took a surprising turn.
When asked if he wanted a store-branded bag, Schiff joked, “That Target bag is going to be my luggage for the next two days.”
According to him, the cashier responded with candid frustration, blaming the situation on state leadership. “She basically said, in not so many words, that Democrats are the problem,” Schiff admitted.
The remark left an impression on the senator. “If the cashier at 10 p.m. in South San Francisco feels that way—because shampoo is locked up and theft is out of hand—then we’ve got a serious issue we need to fix.”
While Schiff didn’t directly criticize specific policies or lawmakers, his remarks suggest that everyday experiences are beginning to shift how the public views safety and governance in California. His willingness to share a personal story and acknowledge changing public attitudes may indicate a broader shift in tone among officials looking to address growing concerns.