Could Kamala Harris be eyeing California’s top job as her next political move? After her failed bid for the White House, the former Vice President may be setting her sights on becoming Governor of America’s most populous state.
At a glance:
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris leads Democratic contenders for 2026 California gubernatorial race with 57% support
- Harris has set a deadline to decide on her gubernatorial run by the end of summer
- Major Democratic candidates including State Attorney General Rob Bonta indicated they would step aside if Harris enters
- A win as California Governor could position Harris for another presidential run in 2028
- Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is the only major candidate suggesting he might challenge Harris
Harris Dominates Early Polls Despite No Announcement
Kamala Harris has emerged as the overwhelming favorite in the 2026 California gubernatorial race, despite not officially announcing her candidacy.
In a state like California? It’s perhaps not surprising…
A recent survey conducted by Emerson College Polling in partnership with Inside California Politics and The Hill shows Harris with a commanding 57% lead among Democratic primary voters.
This strong polling position comes after Harris’s stint as Vice President under the Biden administration, which ended with their failed reelection bid. Her previous roles as California Attorney General and U.S. Senator have maintained her strong connections to the state’s political landscape.
Democrats Clearing the Path for Harris
The potential Harris candidacy has already frozen the field of other Democratic hopefuls who appear unwilling to challenge the former Vice President. State Attorney General Rob Bonta has publicly offered his endorsement should Harris decide to run.
“I hope she does. I have already raised my hand to endorse her, if she does, but I think only Kamala Harris knows the answer,” Bonta stated regarding Harris’s potential candidacy. The Attorney General added that her name recognition and favorables would effectively clear the Democratic field.
Former Rep. Katie Porter trails far behind at just 9% in the polls, while Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa each register only 4% support. These numbers demonstrate the significant advantage Harris holds before even declaring her candidacy.
Our allegedly sometimes inebriated in public (pills, booze, or both?) former Vice President, @KamalaHarris, is leading ONLY due to universal name recognition.
Enough Democrats understand she's incompetent. LA fires effectively ended her gubernatorial campaign.
It'll show up in… https://t.co/66e9ThZYOE
— Dustin Olson (@DustinOlson) February 13, 2025
Strategic Political Calculation
Political observers note that Harris’s decision carries significant implications for her future beyond California. The governorship of California, leading the world’s fifth-largest economy, could provide Harris with executive experience to bolster a potential 2028 presidential run.
According to reports, Harris has set a deadline to make her decision by the end of summer. This timeline allows her to strategically position herself while other potential candidates remain in a holding pattern awaiting her decision.
If she goes ahead and wins, it will give her the chance to “prove” herself ahead of 2028, in case she decides to jump into that race, too. But after how badly she did last time, winning the governorship might just be a great way for her to save face.
