(DailyAnswer.org) – A recent poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times suggests Vice President Kamala Harris could be a top contender for California’s 2026 gubernatorial race. With current Governor Gavin Newsom unable to seek reelection due to term limits, Harris’s well-known name might give her an edge in a crowded field. According to analysts, Harris’s national profile and previous statewide victories position her as a formidable candidate.
Mark DiCamillo, director of the Berkeley IGS Poll, explained that Harris benefits from widespread name recognition. “Nearly all voters in this state have an opinion of her, and that’s really the big advantage she brings to an early poll,” DiCamillo said. No other potential candidates come close in terms of public awareness.
While Harris hasn’t announced plans to run, she has joked about the idea in the past. This poll didn’t directly compare her to other possible contenders but instead focused on gauging her general support. The results, however, paint a mixed picture. Among California voters, 33 percent say they are very likely to support her, and 13 percent are somewhat likely. On the other hand, 36 percent are “not at all likely” to back her, with an additional 6 percent “not too likely” and 12 percent undecided.
Interestingly, the poll indicates Harris may face less enthusiasm as a gubernatorial candidate than she did during her recent presidential run, where she secured 59 percent of California’s vote in 2024. Democrats show the most support, with 54 percent very likely to back her and another 18 percent somewhat likely. Unsurprisingly, Republicans strongly oppose her candidacy, with 84 percent rejecting the idea outright. Among voters with no party preference, opinions are more divided, though slightly more lean against her than in favor.
The survey also explored broader preferences for the governor’s race, finding that over half of voters don’t yet have a clear favorite. Congresswoman Katie Porter emerged as the top first or second choice among respondents, with 13 percent support. Republicans Chad Bianco, a sheriff, and Brian Dahle, a state senator who ran against Newsom in 2022, followed closely with 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
The poll, conducted from October 22-29, surveyed 4,838 registered voters with a margin of error of ±2 percentage points. Whether Harris decides to enter the race remains to be seen, but the field is already shaping up to be competitive.
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