Schiff Reveals Epiphany About Democratic Party After Being Robbed
California Senator Adam Schiff recently reflected on the state of his party’s standing in California, revealing that his own experience as a crime victim shifted his perspective on public safety concerns across the state.
During an appearance on Bill Maher’s HBO program, the longtime Democratic lawmaker admitted that California’s political dominance by his party could face serious challenges. Schiff referred to new polling indicating that about half of Californians would consider voting for a Republican candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
“So we’re going to have to change how we do business in California. We’re going to have to address people’s legitimate concerns about crime,” Schiff said, acknowledging that rising public frustration over safety has become a political liability for Democrats.
The senator shared a personal story from two years ago in South San Francisco, where his luggage was stolen from his car — an incident he described as all too common for residents. “They tell you don’t ever leave your luggage in the car. I never do until the one time I did. And of course it got stolen,” he said.
Schiff’s remarks come amid increasing reports of organized theft rings and retail crime throughout major California cities. Under state law, theft of goods valued under $950 is generally classified as a misdemeanor, a policy critics argue has emboldened thieves.
As part of the same discussion, Maher teased the senator about personally visiting a Target store. Schiff responded with humor: “I uh… I think I went there… well yes, I had somebody drop me off at the store,” prompting laughter from the audience.
The senator then described his interaction with a cashier who had to unlock common items, such as shampoo, kept behind security glass to prevent theft. The conversation, he said, ended with a blunt assessment of how some voters now view his party — a realization that appeared to strike him deeply.