Watch Now: Dr Butch Ware’s Vision for California in Exclusive Tavis Smiley Interview
In a wide-ranging conversation on KBLA Talk 1580, Tavis Smiley hosted Dr. Butch Ware, the Green Party's candidate for California governor, who shared his revolutionary vision for the state's future. Dr. Ware, who previously ran as Jill Stein's vice-presidential running mate, outlined his platform focused on addressing systemic issues through grassroots organizing, mutual aid, and electoral politics.
A Third-Party Alternative in a Two-Party System
Dr. Ware positioned the Green Party as a genuine alternative to what he describes as two "corporate-owned parties" that fail to serve the interests of everyday Californians. "One steals, the other holds the bag," Ware stated, arguing that Democrats and Republicans alike prioritize donor interests over public welfare.
Citing recent polls showing 63% of Americans believe both major parties do a "poor job," Ware emphasized that the time is ripe for independent candidates to win major elections.
“On June 2nd, 2026, we are going to bring together a coalition of those disaffected blue voters and red voters and all those independent voters”
Key Policy Priorities
Throughout the interview, Dr. Ware outlined several cornerstone policies for his potential administration:
Universal Healthcare
Ware argued that implementing single-payer healthcare in California is "the easiest thing in the world," noting that taxpayers already cover 70% of healthcare costs in the state. He criticized previous Democratic efforts that fell short due to insurance industry influence.
Affordable Housing
Drawing from personal experience with his father's homelessness struggles, Ware proposed a Vienna-inspired model where the state would own a significant percentage of housing units. "Rather than using affordable housing funds as development handouts from Gavin Newsom to his cronies, have the state build affordable housing units - mixed income, not projects," he explained.
Criminal Justice Reform
Identifying as an abolitionist, Ware criticized the current criminal legal system and advocated for fundamental transformation rather than incremental reform.
On Contemporary Politics
Dr. Ware also offered sharp critiques of current political developments, including Donald Trump's tariff policies, which he warned could accelerate America's economic decline and potentially trigger a global recession.
Regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's potential gubernatorial run, Ware expressed confidence about facing her, citing her record as California's Attorney General and what he described as dissatisfaction among progressive voters, particularly on issues like foreign policy and criminal justice.
"We need to seize freedom now, we need to seize liberation now, we need to close the generational wealth gap now," Ware emphasized, calling for "an actual political revolution" beyond the established two-party system.
The full interview showcases Dr. Ware's vision for California that prioritizes people over corporate interests and addresses fundamental systemic issues through revolutionary political change.
