Vice President Kamala Harris may be poised for a political comeback following her resounding defeat in the 2024 presidential election. According to a recent poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, Harris is the clear frontrunner in a hypothetical 2026 California gubernatorial race.
The poll shows that nearly half of California voters would likely support Harris in a crowded race, underscoring her enduring appeal in the Golden State. Among registered Democrats—who make up twice the number of registered Republicans—72% expressed their willingness to back Harris. Meanwhile, she garnered support from 8% of Republicans and 38% of independents surveyed.
Harris’s strong showing is largely attributed to her near-universal name recognition and heightened visibility following her role as Vice President and her high-profile participation in the 2024 presidential campaign.
“Nearly all voters in this state have an opinion of her, and that’s really the big advantage that she brings to an early poll,” said Mark DiCamillo, director of UC Berkeley’s IGS Poll. “None of the other potential candidates are as well known to the voting public.”
Indeed, Harris’s political resume in California includes serving as the state’s Attorney General and as U.S. Senator before joining President Joe Biden’s ticket in 2020. Her familiarity with voters gives her a significant edge over lesser-known competitors who may enter the gubernatorial race.
While Harris’s name recognition and political experience could serve as assets, her tenure in California politics is not without controversy. Some voters remain skeptical of her record, which could complicate a gubernatorial bid.
Critics often point to Harris’s handling of state ethics rules during her time as both District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California. One of the most notable controversies involves her failure to disclose a romantic relationship with then-California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. Brown allegedly used his political influence to secure Harris lucrative appointments to state boards, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
Another contentious episode occurred during Harris’s tenure as Attorney General. She faced criticism for dropping a fraud investigation into the health supplement company Herbalife after receiving a substantial political donation from Heather Podesta, a prominent Democratic lobbyist tied to the company. These incidents, while not uncommon in the high-stakes world of politics, have provided ammunition for her detractors.
Despite these controversies, Harris’s path to the governorship is bolstered by California’s political landscape, which leans heavily Democratic. The state’s electorate has consistently supported progressive policies and candidates, giving Democrats a significant advantage in statewide races.
Harris’s political positions align closely with the values of many California voters, including strong advocacy for climate action, criminal justice reform, and women’s rights. Her campaign for governor, should she choose to run, would likely focus on these issues, further solidifying her base of support among the state’s liberal electorate.
While Harris currently leads the hypothetical race, the field could become crowded with other ambitious politicians eyeing California’s top job. Potential rivals could include current Governor Gavin Newsom, should he pursue higher office and leave the position open, or state leaders like Attorney General Rob Bonta and Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
However, none of these figures enjoy the same level of national prominence as Harris, giving her a distinct edge in name recognition and fundraising potential.
For Harris, a successful run for governor could mark a significant chapter in her political career, providing an opportunity to shape California’s future and solidify her legacy after a polarizing tenure as Vice President. While her defeat in the 2024 presidential election was a setback, it did little to diminish her profile among California voters, who continue to see her as a strong leader capable of addressing the state’s challenges.
The poll results suggest that Harris’s political journey is far from over. With her eyes potentially set on the governor’s mansion, she could leverage her experience and public support to lead the nation’s most populous state.
For now, the 2026 gubernatorial race remains hypothetical, but Harris’s commanding lead in early polling signals a strong foundation should she decide to enter the fray. Whether her past controversies will resurface as campaign obstacles or remain mere footnotes in her career is a question only time—and voters—will answer.
