What Do Californians Really Think About Kamala Harris’s Governor Ambitions?

Woman with thumbs down in voting location. — Portrait of serious woman voter with tumb down in polling place, usa elections concept.

Can Kamala Harris capture California’s governorship amid a divided political climate?

Key Takeaways

Mixed reactions surface regarding Kamala Harris’s potential gubernatorial bid.
36% of California influencers show indifference to Harris’s candidacy.
Registered Democrats feel more positively about Harris than independent or Republican voters.
Harris remains undecided, contemplating a 2028 presidential run.

Californians’ Reactions to Harris’s Potential Run

Kamala Harris’s possible return to California politics has generated a range of emotions among voters and policy influencers. According to a survey by Politico and UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center, 36% of policy influencers are indifferent to her hypothetical gubernatorial run. Harris continues to occupy the political spotlight despite her loss in the presidential elections. Recent polls indicate only 33% of Californians show growing interest in her possible candidacy. However, her popularity varies drastically among different demographic groups.

Among Democratic voters, Harris receives substantial support, with 33% feeling “joyful” and 41% being “mostly excited” about her running. Conversely, Republican voters mostly react negatively, with words like “irritated” and “outraged” frequently surfacing. Interestingly, the sentiment among Latino voters has shifted, showing more tendencies toward Trump in past elections. “It’s almost a surprising lack of enthusiasm [from Latinos],” commented Jack Citrin on recent trends.

Diverse Reactions Across Demographic Segments

Black voters in California express a relatively positive outlook, with 35% feeling “joyful” and 38% “mostly excited” about Harris’s gubernatorial prospects. However, Asian American and Latino communities display mixed sentiments, where feelings of “irritation” and “hopelessness” sometimes prevail. Harris’s polarizing presence in politics continues to divide public opinion, with many Californians divided along party lines and racial demographics.

Independent voters, in particular, show low enthusiasm for Harris’s gubernatorial run, with 21% feeling “hopeless” and 26% expressing “irritation.” In light of these statistics, Harris’s team remains silent regarding poll outcomes, opting to weigh her political future carefully. Despite the lack of official commitment, Harris continues to leverage her political stature within the Democratic Party while eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run.

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

Potential Rivals and Political Landscape

While Harris remains undecided about her 2026 gubernatorial ambitions, other Democrats like Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter are emerging as potential contenders for the governor’s seat. Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign faced notable setbacks, struggling in swing states and presenting a smaller winning margin in California compared to previous Democratic candidates. Despite encountering these challenges, she remains a central figure within the party, vocally challenging the current administration. “Americans are standing up to the administration as they implement Project 2025 at full speed,” Harris said recently.

As Harris ponders her next steps, California’s political future continues to be a focal point in national discussions. The ongoing debate exemplifies the growing divide in California’s political dynamics. With an announcement expected by late summer, all eyes remain on Harris as she navigates the complexities of contemporary politics and determines her role within it.