Is Kamala Harris still going to be around?
As speculation about Kamala Harris’ political future intensifies, a recent poll reveals that the Vice President may set her sights on the California governorship in 2026, following the term-limited exit of Governor Gavin Newsom.
The poll, conducted by UC Berkeley and the Los Angeles Times from October 22-29, shows Harris holding a significant lead over other potential candidates for the governor’s race. With Newsom unable to run again due to term limits, Harris is positioning herself as a frontrunner. The survey reveals that 46% of likely voters—comprising both Democrats and Republicans—are either very or somewhat likely to support her in 2026. While 72% of Democrats express strong or moderate support, just 8% of Republicans and 38% of independent voters say they would back her, reflecting California’s deep partisan divide.
Harris’ lead in the poll is notable, though it is less commanding than her previous standing in the 2020 presidential election, where she secured 59% of the vote in California. This time around, however, she faces more competition, with several other prominent figures eyeing the governor’s mansion. Among them is Representative Katie Porter, who garnered 13% of voter support, despite not confirming her candidacy. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and State Senator Brian Dahle, who both ran against Newsom in 2022, also polled in the low teens, showing that conservative candidates will have a foothold in the race.
The poll underscores the importance of name recognition in California politics. As the state’s first female Vice President, Harris enjoys a significant edge in terms of visibility and voter awareness, which could be a key factor in her ability to secure the governorship. However, with 52% of voters still undecided about their preferred candidate, the race remains fluid.
While Harris has not yet announced her intentions, the prospect of her running would mark a significant moment in California’s political history. Should she run, she could follow in the footsteps of another former vice president—Richard Nixon—who lost the 1960 presidential race and went on to become California’s governor just two years later. Whether Harris will seek the presidency again in the future is still unclear, but her potential run for governor is one to watch.
For conservatives, the possibility of a Harris candidacy presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While her strong Democratic base in California is undeniable, the state’s shifting political landscape means that Republicans and independents could have a real opportunity to push back against her liberal policies in the governor’s race.