Key Takeaways:
– New Poll shows VP Kamala Harris would dominate race for Governor if she contested in 2026.
– Democrats show overwhelming support, outnumbering Republicans by 2:1 voter registration.
– Kamala Harris has superior name recognition compared to the other potential candidates.
– Less support for Harris for Governor compared to her presidential campaign.
– Over half the polled voters undecided about their top candidate.
Massive Democratic Support for Harris.
If Vice President Kamala Harris were to run for the governor’s post in California in 2026, she would be at a significant advantage, as revealed by a recent poll. The poll, conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, uncovers that around half of the voters are highly likely or somewhat likely to endorse her candidacy.
The Democratic support for Harris is strong, with about 72% indicating a possibility of considering her for the governor’s role. This confirms the Democratic dominance in California, where they enjoy a nearly 2:1 voter registration advantage over Republicans.
Previous Success in California Politics
Having made her mark in California Politics over the past two decades, Harris is no stranger to the Californian electorate. Her political journey, from the post of San Francisco district attorney to California attorney general and then to the U.S. Senate, has given her robust name recognition. This gives her a massive advantage over other potential candidates according to Mark DiCamillo, the Director of the Berkeley IGS Poll.
Contrasting Support for the Governor and Presidential Bid
Despite the enthusiastic Democratic backing, the polling figures indicate a possible dwindle in her support for the Governor’s role compared to her presidential campaign. With 46% of likely voters supportive of her Governor’s run, the statistics lean on the lower side compared to the 59% won in the presidential race.
Uncertainty Looms Over Candidacy
Though support for Harris’s possible governorship is evident, Harris herself has made no public declaration regarding her aspirations post the Trump administration. Additionally, a Harris representative did not comment on this matter when asked.
The Rumored Candidacy Prompts Speculation
Though Harris shut down her campaign account opened for gubernatorial race funding in 2018, Californians still hope she will contend for the governorship. This speculation follows her disappointing loss in the presidential race.
Harris, if she concedes, would enter an already crowded field of candidates to succeed current Governor Gavin Newsom, who is serving his second term and is ineligible to run again.
Other Potential Candidates
The poll also measured the popularity of other contenders for Governor. As per the poll, Katie Porter, U.S. Representative, leads current favorites followed closely by Riverside Country Sheriff Chad Bianco and State Senator Brian Dahle. Other names in the race are Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Latino Voters’ Inclinations
Interestingly, the Latino voter base seems to be split between favoring Democratic candidates Villaraigosa and Becerra and Republican Bianco. The poll observed a tilt towards the right amongst Latino voters.
In conclusion, the poll reflects increased attention and anticipation for the Californian Governor’s race in 2026. It also highlights the importance of name recognition and the role it could play in influencing voter decisions.