Overview

• Kamala Harris leads a hypothetical 2026 California gubernatorial primary with 31% support, according to an Emerson College Polling survey conducted April 12-14.
• Voters are evenly split on whether Harris should run for governor, with 50% in favor and 50% opposed, highlighting significant public ambivalence.
• Nearly 39% of voters remain undecided, reflecting a volatile and uncertain primary landscape over a year before the election.
• Harris has not yet announced her intentions but is expected to decide by the end of summer, effectively freezing the Democratic field until then.
• Without Harris in the race, Katie Porter's support among Democrats rises from 13% to 21%, underscoring the potential impact of Harris's decision on the broader contest.