Failed Presidential candidate Kamala Harris wants a comeback. But there’s a major issue in her way.
Because Kamala Harris was slapped across the face with this embarrassing news.
Kamala Harris as California’s Next Governor Is a Risky Bet for Democrats Poll Shows
Kamala Harris is flirting with a run for California governor, but outside the Democratic faithful, the idea is landing with a thud. A recent poll from UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center reveals a stark divide: while California’s Democratic voters are thrilled at the prospect, most non-Democrats—independents, Republicans, and even some minority groups—range from apathetic to outright hostile. For a party looking to secure its future, banking on Harris could be a gamble that alienates the very voters they need to win over.
The survey asked Californians to pick emotions tied to a hypothetical Harris candidacy: “joyful,” “mostly excited,” “indifferent,” “irritated,” “outraged,” “hopeless,” or other. Two groups were polled—registered voters and a select group of “policy influencers,” including lawmakers, staffers, and political insiders. The results paint a picture of a state far from united behind the former vice president, raising questions about her ability to lead California into the future.
Among influencers, the response was a collective yawn. A hefty 36 percent said they’d feel “indifferent” about Harris running. This lack of enthusiasm isn’t shocking, according to UC Berkeley political science professor Jack Citrin. “These people are not given to euphoria,” he noted, pointing out that insiders tend to be skeptical of political figures. But for Harris, this tepid reaction stings more, given her uneven history with California’s political elite.
Harris has never been the darling of the state’s insiders. As Mike Murphy, a longtime Republican strategist based in Los Angeles, put it, “She’s never been that popular in the California political high school.” Her rapid consolidation of party support during her 2024 presidential nomination run was a rare moment of strength, but the survey suggests it was fleeting. Only 22 percent of influencers said they’d be “mostly excited” about her candidacy, while 20 percent admitted they’d be “irritated.”
Registered voters, on the other hand, showed more passion—both for and against. Democrats were predictably smitten, with 33 percent feeling “joyful” and 41 percent “mostly excited.” Citrin summed it up: “The registered Democratic voters are very enthusiastic about her.” In a state where Democrats hold a 20-point registration edge, that’s a strong base. A multi-candidate primary could see Harris coast to a top-two finish, securing a spot in the general election.
But California’s electoral math isn’t that simple. Republicans, as expected, recoiled at the idea of Governor Harris, with “irritated” and “outraged” topping their responses. More troubling for Democrats, though, is the sentiment among independents—voters who often swing elections. A quarter of them said they’d feel “irritated” by a Harris run, and 21 percent picked “hopeless.” These numbers signal a disconnect that could haunt her in a general election.
Even among minority groups, Harris isn’t a slam dunk. Black voters showed strong support, with 35 percent feeling “joyful” and 38 percent “mostly excited.” But Asian American and Latino voters were less impressed. Eighteen percent of Asian Americans said they’d be “irritated,” while 19 percent of Latinos felt “hopeless.” Citrin called the Latino response “almost a surprising lack of enthusiasm,” noting their rightward shift in recent elections. For a candidate whose appeal often hinges on identity, these cracks are concerning.
Harris hasn’t confirmed her plans, telling associates she’ll decide by late summer whether to run for governor or aim for the White House in 2028. Her silence has cast a shadow over the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Some contenders, like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, have hinted they’d step aside if Harris jumps in. Others, like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, are digging in, arguing her early poll strength is just name recognition from a $1.4 billion presidential campaign that fell short.
“It’s clear that Californians agree we need a proven problem solver and there’s no appetite for a coronation,” Villaraigosa said. He’s not alone in challenging the idea of Harris as inevitable. Former legislative leader Toni Atkins, less known statewide but respected in Sacramento, emphasized that “governors are elected, not anointed.” She added, “A lot can happen between now and Election Day—but one thing that won’t change is California’s next governor must earn every single vote.”
The survey’s findings suggest Harris starts with an edge but isn’t untouchable. Murphy, who’s advised potential candidate Rick Caruso, called her vulnerable. “If I were a rival Democrat, I look at those numbers, and I would say she’ll start in front, but she’s vulnerable to a campaign,” he said. Her high name ID and fundraising prowess give her a head start, but they don’t guarantee loyalty from a state craving solutions over star power.
California’s challenges—skyrocketing housing costs, homelessness, and economic strain—demand a leader who can unite, not polarize. Harris’s baggage as a national figure, coupled with her mixed reception among non-Democrats, makes her a risky choice. Independents and minority voters aren’t just apathetic; many are actively turned off. In a state where Democrats can’t afford to coast, that’s a red flag.
Democrats banking on Harris might argue her star power and loyal base outweigh the naysayers. But elections aren’t won on enthusiasm alone—they require broad coalitions. The poll shows Harris struggles to inspire beyond her party’s core, a weakness that could cost Democrats in a competitive race. Her past campaigns leaned heavily on identity and progressive ideals, but California’s mood seems to demand pragmatism over ideology.
For a party plotting its post-2024 path, Harris represents a familiar face but not a unifying one. The survey’s split verdict—adoration from Democrats, indifference or hostility from everyone else—suggests she’s less a safe bet than a lightning rod. As Villaraigosa put it, “The issues of the cost of living, housing and homelessness are too important for people to think they can stand on the sidelines and come in late to the game.” Harris’s indecision only fuels that skepticism.
The Federalist Wire will keep you informed on the major 2026 gubernatorial race in California.
