Could Kamala Harris REALLY Take the CA Governorship?

Is California ready for Kamala Harris to make a political comeback? The failed Vice President is eyeing the Governor’s mansion, and a new poll suggests she might be able to clear the Democratic field despite her catastrophic performance on the national stage.

At a glance:

  • Former Vice President Kamala Harris leads a new poll for the 2026 California gubernatorial race with 57% support among Democratic primary voters
  • Harris has set a summer deadline to decide on a potential run for California Governor
  • A gubernatorial win could position Harris for another presidential run in 2028
  • Most potential Democratic candidates including Attorney General Rob Bonta have indicated they would bow out if Harris enters the race
  • Harris is focusing on maintaining her political presence in California while weighing her options

Harris Leads Poll Despite Failed Vice Presidency

Former Vice President Kamala Harris appears poised to leverage her name recognition to secure California’s top job in 2026. A recent survey conducted by Emerson College Polling shows Harris commanding an impressive 57% lead among Democratic primary voters for the gubernatorial race, despite her widely criticized performance in the Biden administration.

The poll, which carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points for all voters and 4.5 percentage points for Democratic primary voters, places Harris far ahead of her potential competitors. Former Rep. Katie Porter trails by a significant 9%, while Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis each garner a mere 4% support.

Democrats Clearing the Path for Harris

Harris has set a deadline to decide on her gubernatorial run by the end of summer, leaving many potential Democratic candidates in limbo. State Attorney General Rob Bonta has already signaled his willingness to step aside, publicly endorsing Harris before she has even announced 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. His eagerness to clear the path for the former Vice President demonstrates the influence Harris still wields within the California Democratic establishment.

The potential Harris candidacy has effectively frozen the field, with Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter indicating they would likely not challenge Harris. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stands as the only major potential candidate suggesting he might remain in the race regardless of Harris’s decision.

While Harris’ popularity may puzzle those not from the Golden State, California voters have a record of supporting far-left politicians like current Governor Gavin Newsom despite public dissatisfaction with their policies.

Strategic Political Positioning

Political analysts suggest Harris views the California governorship as a strategic stepping stone for a potential 2028 presidential run. As Governor of California, Harris would control the fifth-largest economy in the world, providing her with executive experience she could leverage in a future national campaign.

Harris has maintained a careful political presence since leaving the White House, retaining key aides under her organization Pioneer49. She has made public appearances in California, including a recent visit to areas affected by the Palisades wildfire, emphasizing her supposed commitment to local communities.

The former Vice President currently leads in early national polls for possible Democratic presidential candidates, signaling that party leaders may be willing to give Harris another chance despite her role in the unpopular Biden administration. With 17% of Democratic primary voters still undecided, Harris’s commanding lead suggests she would face minimal resistance within her party for the gubernatorial nomination.

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