Kamala Harris just can’t catch a break.
A brand-new California poll shows Gov. Gavin Newsom crushing the former vice president in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic presidential primary — right in Harris’ own home state.
The Politico survey released Wednesday has Newsom leading with 25% support among California Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents. Harris lags behind at just 19%, a humiliating setback for someone who once claimed California as her political stronghold.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came in at 13%, and socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) followed with 10%. Everyone else polled at under 5% — showing a fractured but far-left field.
Harris Can’t Escape Defeat
For Harris, the numbers sting. Still reeling from her 2024 defeat to President Trump, she recently announced she would not run for California governor, claiming she wanted to “step back” from politics. But many insiders believe she’s quietly preparing for another presidential run.
The problem? Voters don’t seem interested. Almost half of Democrats said they are at least “somewhat excited” about a Newsom run. Only 42% said the same about Harris — a clear lack of enthusiasm for her comeback.
Newsom on the Rise
Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom is positioning himself as the future face of the Democratic Party. As a two-term California governor, he has made national headlines fighting Republicans on redistricting and pushing his progressive agenda.
While Harris struggles to recover from repeated embarrassments, Newsom is gaining momentum with party leaders and donors who are desperate for someone who can stand up to Trump in 2028.
The Polling Breakdown
- Newsom: 25%
- Harris: 19%
- Buttigieg: 13%
- Ocasio-Cortez: 10%
- Others: Below 5%
The Politico survey polled 1,445 registered voters, including 807 Democrats and left-leaning independents, from July 28 to August 12. The margin of error was 2.6%.
Harris’ Nightmare Scenario
If Kamala Harris can’t even win a Democratic poll in California — her home turf — how can she possibly hope to compete on the national stage against President Trump and the Republican powerhouse he leads?
The writing is on the wall: Democrats may already be looking past Harris, while Republicans are preparing for another Trump victory.