Could Kamala Harris be eyeing a return to California politics? A shocking new poll shows the former Vice President leading all potential Democratic candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race by a massive margin, despite not even announcing her candidacy. But her “win” here might just be name recognition – and nothing else.
At a glance:
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris leads Democratic primary voters with 57% support in a recent California gubernatorial poll
- Harris has set a summer deadline to decide on her potential run for California Governor
- Former Rep. Katie Porter trails Harris by 9% while other potential candidates show minimal support
- Key California Democrats including AG Rob Bonta and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis have indicated they would step aside if Harris enters the race
- A gubernatorial win could position Harris for another presidential run in 2028
Harris Dominates In California Poll
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the overwhelming favorite in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race according to a shocking new poll. The survey shows Harris with a commanding 57% lead among Democratic primary voters if she decides to throw her hat in the ring for the top position in America’s most populous state.
Is California suicidal?
The poll, conducted by Emerson College Polling in partnership with Inside California Politics and The Hill, reveals Harris’s tremendous political advantage in her home state. Former Rep. Katie Porter trails far behind at just 9% support, while former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis each register a mere 4% support among Democratic primary voters.
Our allegedly sometimes inebriated in public (pills, booze, or both?) former Vice President, @KamalaHarris, is leading ONLY due to universal name recognition.
Enough Democrats understand she's incompetent. LA fires effectively ended her gubernatorial campaign.
It'll show up in… https://t.co/66e9ThZYOE
— Dustin Olson (@DustinOlson) February 13, 2025
Democrats Clear The Field
Harris’s potential candidacy is already causing major ripples throughout California’s political landscape as prominent Democrats signal they would step aside rather than challenge the former Vice President. State Attorney General Rob Bonta has publicly endorsed Harris should she decide to run, effectively promising to clear the path for her candidacy.
“I hope she does. I have already raised my hand to endorse her, if she does, but I think only Kamala Harris knows the answer,” Bonta stated in remarks about Harris’s potential run. His enthusiastic support demonstrates how Harris’s entry would essentially coronation rather than a competitive primary.
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has similarly indicated she would not challenge Harris, while former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter also appears unlikely to mount a serious campaign against the former Vice President. The only major potential candidate suggesting he might stay in regardless is former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, though his dismal polling numbers suggest such a challenge would be futile.
Remember that Harris couldn’t even win California during the primaries. What makes her think she’s a popular option for California now, after losing against Trump?
Strategic Political Calculations
Harris has reportedly set a deadline to decide on her gubernatorial run by the end of summer, keeping fellow Democrats in suspense. Sources close to Harris indicate she is genuinely interested in being chief executive of California, which boasts the fifth-largest economy in the world and would give her substantial executive experience.
Political analysts suggest a successful term as California’s Governor could provide Harris with a strong platform for another presidential run in 2028. After her failed presidential campaign and controversial tenure as Vice President under the Biden administration, a governorship could offer Harris an opportunity to rebuild her political brand with tangible executive accomplishments.
