New Poll Shows Who California Democrats Want For Governor in 2026

A new poll suggests Vice President Kamala Harris would dominate California’s 2026 Democratic primary if she entered the governor’s race. But while speculation grows, she’s avoiding any firm commitment.

Key Facts:

Poll Results: 57% of Democratic primary voters in California would back Harris for governor.
Distant Competition: Former Rep. Katie Porter polled at 9%, with Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis each at 4%.
Undecided Voters: 17% of voters remain uncommitted.
Harris’ Background: She previously served as California’s Attorney General and U.S. Senator before becoming Vice President.
Her Response: Harris dodged questions about a gubernatorial run, saying she’s focused on her community.

The Rest of The Story:

With Gov. Gavin Newsom term-limited in 2026, the race to replace him is heating up.

Harris, who once held significant roles in California politics, is now being floated as the frontrunner—at least on paper.

A new poll from Emerson College/Inside California Politics/The Hill shows Harris holding a commanding lead in a hypothetical primary.

However, she has yet to express any serious interest in the role.

When pressed about a potential run, Harris emphasized her commitment to serving her community rather than addressing political ambitions directly.

Her vague response hasn’t stopped speculation, though.

Given her lackluster approval ratings as Vice President and an uncertain future in national politics, some see California’s governorship as an easy landing spot for her.

This is just crazy

Journalist @nickshirleyy walks through Democrat ran Oakland, California and you can see all the USPS mail delivery vehicles have been completely vandalized

Look at the new “paint jobs”…. Where is Governor Gavin Newsom? This is Kamala Harris’ hometown pic.twitter.com/TmRjZ3Aplo

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) December 12, 2024

Commentary:

Only in California would a floundering politician like Kamala Harris be greeted with open arms for another high office.

After failing to gain traction in her own 2020 presidential campaign and struggling as Vice President, she remains wildly unpopular nationwide—but in deep-blue California, that hardly matters.

If she does run, it’s hard to imagine voters being surprised by what they get.

This is the same state that elected Newsom twice, despite mass business exodus, sky-high crime, and homelessness problems spiraling out of control.

At this point, Harris would be more of the same—just with a bigger word salad.

It’s also amusing how California Democrats seem eager to hand their top job to someone who has consistently failed upwards.

As Vice President, she was tasked with handling the border crisis—she avoided it.

Her speeches are routinely incoherent. And yet, despite all that, she’s still their top pick.

NEW: Bill Maher busts out laughing at the thought of Kamala Harris running for Governor of California.

QUESTION: “Should Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026 after polls show her leading?”

MAHER: (Laughs) “I’m gonna give that a big no.”

“I think Kamala Harris… pic.twitter.com/by7RlaJ3GX

— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) February 15, 2025

Voters who put her in the governor’s mansion will get exactly what they deserve.

If nothing else, it will be entertaining to watch California continue its decline under her leadership.

The Bottom Line:

Kamala Harris is the clear Democratic favorite for California’s 2026 gubernatorial race—if she chooses to run. Her history in the state and name recognition make her a dominant force, despite her weak national performance. Whether or not she runs, California voters seem determined to keep rewarding failure.