Kamala Harris is topping early polls for California's 2026 gubernatorial race among Democrats.
Despite not confirming a run, the former Vice President shows a significant lead in Democratic support for the upcoming election, Newsweek reported.
Having served as district attorney, attorney general of California, and a U.S. senator, Kamala Harris now finds her political trajectory pointing at the governor's mansion in Sacramento. Her previous presidential bid was unsuccessful against Donald Trump, fueling speculation about her future steps, either toward the presidency again in 2028 or the state capitol in 2026.
An Emerson College poll as of February 11, 2025, positions Harris well ahead with 57% backing from Democratic voters. Comparatively, former Representative Katie Porter and former state Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa trail significantly, securing 9% and 4% respectively in the same poll. More data from a collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley, and the Los Angeles Times indicates a stronger inclination, with 72% of Democrats likely to support Harris.
A closer overview via the Capitol Weekly poll reveals Harris holding 23% support across all California voters, closely followed by Republican businessman John Cox at 21%. These numbers pertinently highlight a potential competitive race, despite California's strong Democratic leanings.
With the current Governor, Gavin Newsom, due to leave office by the end of 2026 after reaching term limits, the race has attracted significant attention. "I would support her if she ran, I've always supported her in everything she's done. She would be field-clearing," stated California Attorney General Rob Bonta, discussing Harris's potential candidacy.
Consider Katie Porter's perspective on the impact of a Harris candidacy:
If Vice President Harris were to choose to run, I am certain that that would have a near-field-clearing effect on the Democratic side.
The race looks set for June 2026, when California Democrats will make their preference known in the state's Democratic primary. Given her extensive political history within the state and her established voter base, Harris remains a formidable figure.
Despite the buzz, Kamala Harris has yet to make any formal announcement about her candidacy. Her political activities continue to keep her in the public eye, including a statement from her in November, captured by Politico: "staying in the fight." This remark brings a dual promise of continued engagement in public service and potential candidacy.
California's alignment as a Democratic stronghold is further evidenced by Harris winning the state by approximately 20 points in the previous election. This advantage underscores her potent electoral appeal in the state.
Furthermore, the Cook Political Report has solidified expectations by categorizing the California governor race as Solid Democratic, setting the stage for a predominantly Democratic contest.
The upcoming election cycle presents a narrative of endurance and potential transformation in California's political leadership. Kamala Harris, amidst polling prospects and bipartisan speculations, stands at a pivotal intersection of seasoned leadership and emerging opportunities.
With Rob Bonta's endorsement and anticipated impacts discussed by Katie Porter, California's electoral landscape continues to evolve as 2026 approaches.
