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3mo ago

Kamala Harris Emerges as Early Frontrunner for California Governor in 2026

A new poll shows Harris leading potential Democratic candidates, though she has not confirmed plans to run.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to reporters as she walks out of a meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y) after certifying the Electoral College vote for the 2024 Presidential election at the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session to ratify President-elect Donald Trump's Electoral College win over Vice President Kamala Harris, four years after a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to halt the certification of the 2020 election results. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Split screen of Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, Texas on July 25, 2024.
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Overview

  • A poll conducted by Emerson College, Inside California Politics, and The Hill shows Kamala Harris with 57% support among California Democratic primary voters in a hypothetical 2026 gubernatorial race.
  • Former Rep. Katie Porter follows with 9% support, while Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis each have 4%; 17% of voters remain undecided.
  • Harris has not announced her candidacy, stating her focus is on staying connected to her community and supporting wildfire recovery efforts in California.
  • Without Harris in the race, a significant 45% of voters are undecided, with Porter leading other candidates at 21%.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited, will leave office in 2026, opening the field for new leadership in the Democratic-dominated state.