Kamala Harris leads California governor’s race — but 50% say the former VP shouldn’t run: poll

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is currently leading the pack in the California governor’s race, according to a recent Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill survey. With 31% of Californians planning to vote for her in the June 2026 gubernatorial primary election, Harris seems to have a strong backing. However, the survey also revealed that 50% of likely voters believe that Harris should not run for governor, showing a split in public opinion.

In the same poll, former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) received 8% support, while Republican Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco garnered 4%. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a recent entrant into the race, received 2% support. A significant portion of respondents, 39%, remained undecided.

Since her defeat in the 2024 presidential election, Harris, 60, has been keeping her political options open. Reports suggest that she is seriously considering a run for the California governorship to succeed the termed-out Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Harris is expected to make a final decision on her next move by the end of the summer.

The survey indicated that voters are divided on whether Harris should enter the race, with 50% saying yes and 50% saying no. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, highlighted the importance of Harris’s potential candidacy in shaping the dynamics of the gubernatorial primary. Without Harris in the race, Porter’s support among Democrats rises to 21%, potentially making her a frontrunner in a crowded field.

When it comes to Governor Newsom’s future plans, the survey revealed that only 41% of voters believe he should run for president in 2028, while 59% think he shouldn’t. This indicates that there is a lack of strong support for Newsom launching a White House bid.

Overall, the California governor’s race seems to be shaping up with Harris leading the pack but facing divided opinions among voters. With key contenders like Porter also in the mix, the political landscape in California is set for an interesting and competitive primary election in 2026.