Kamala Harris’s prospects for the governor’s seat raise questions about voter reactions and the shifting political dynamics in California.
Key Takeaways
- A Politico and UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll shows mixed reactions to Kamala Harris potentially running for California governor.
- 36% of California influencers feel indifferent about Harris’ gubernatorial bid.
- Among registered Democratic voters, only 33% feel “joyful” and 41% “mostly excited” about Harris running.
- Latino voters have shown a shift towards Trump in recent elections.
- Kamala Harris has not announced a decision on running for governor in 2026 but plans to decide by late summer.
Evaluating Voter Sentiments and Poll Results
A new poll by Politico and UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center reveals a nuanced landscape for Kamala Harris in California’s gubernatorial realm. While 36% of California “influencers” are lukewarm, only a marginal 4% expressed strong disapproval. Registered Democratic voters show significant enthusiasm, with 33% “joyful” and 41% “mostly excited.” Conversely, the sentiment among registered Republican voters leans towards irritation and outrage at the prospect.
The poll highlights ethnic demographic variations as well. 35% of Black registered voters feel “joyful,” with 38% “mostly excited.” However, Asian American and Latino voters displayed mixed reactions. “It’s almost a surprising lack of enthusiasm [from Latinos],” said Jack Citrin, reflecting a notable shift in voter alignment. Latino voters also showed increased support towards Donald Trump in recent elections, complicating Harris’s potential campaign landscape.
A Competitive Political Landscape
Kamala Harris remains undecided about her gubernatorial candidacy, with a decision anticipated by late summer. The poll surveyed 1,025 California registered voters and 718 influencers, presenting a mixed but insightful perspective. Harris, who lost all seven swing states in the 2024 presidential campaign, maintains her political engagement despite the recent defeat.
Competing for the governor’s seat could pit Harris against other prominent figures like Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter. As Harris navigates these decisions, her past political involvement and current positioning within the Democratic Party place her as a contender, poised to leverage her influence if she chooses to run.
Strategic Implications for 2028 and Beyond
Harris’s consideration of a gubernatorial run is intertwined with her long-term aspirations, eyeing a 2028 presidential bid. Though she has made few public appearances since the 2024 election, her support for resistance against Trump’s administration and Project 2025 remains evident. As California’s demographic shifts suggest complex voter loyalties, Harris’s political strategies will be crucial in determining her success at both the state and national levels.
California’s political ecosystem, characterized by dynamic voter sentiments and emerging influential contenders, suggests a competitive stage set for Harris should she pursue the governorship. The convergence of these elements will be pivotal as California shapes its political future in the coming years.
California voters ‘indifferent’ over potential Kamala Harris run for governor: ‘Surprising lack of enthusiasm’ https://t.co/EmyYOS02SW pic.twitter.com/Buc8Ktrmvt
— New York Post (@nypost) April 15, 2025
Sources:
- Californians Are Seriously Unenthused About A Hypothetical Kamala Harris Gubernatorial Bid, Poll Finds | The Daily Caller
- Poll: California Voters Lukewarm on Harris as Governor | Newsmax.com
- California voters ‘indifferent’ over potential Kamala Harris run for governor
- Kamala Harris potential run for California governor met with indifference from policy influencers
