Former Vice President Kamala Harris is leading the Democratic contenders for the upcoming 2026 California governor's race. Harris's return to the political scene comes shortly after her presidential campaign, and she has quickly climbed to the top in voter preferences within the liberal stronghold.
Breitbart reported that according to a new poll, Kamala Harris has strong support among Democratic primary voters in California, leading other potential candidates.
This polling was orchestrated by Emerson College Polling, Inside California Politics, and The Hill, and it indicates a significant lead for Harris.
With 57 percent of the Democratic primary voters' support, she stands well ahead of her nearest competitor. This level of support underscores her substantial influence and popularity among California Democrats, even after concluding her run for the presidency.
The poll was conducted over two days, from February 10 to 11, capturing the perspectives of 1,000 registered voters in California.
The stated margin of error for these findings is plus or minus 3 percentage points, providing a reliable snapshot of current voter sentiments.
Further breaking down the demographic specifics, the poll surveyed 469 Democratic primary voters. The credibility interval for this subset is slightly higher at plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
This comprehensive polling approach has revealed not only the leading position of Harris but also the standings of other potential candidates in the Democratic field.
Former Representative Katie Porter finds herself in second place, but far behind Harris, with just nine percent of the support from Democratic primary voters.
Antonio Villaraigosa and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis are tied, each garnering four percent of the vote. This significant gap illustrates the current preference for Harris as a strong leader and recognizable figure in California politics.
Additionally, the poll highlights that seventeen percent of those surveyed remain undecided about their choice for governor. This group represents a crucial segment of the electorate that candidates will need to persuade in the lead-up to the election.
Given the potential for shifts in voter sentiment and the dynamics of the campaign trail, the standings of candidates can change. However, as of now, Harris's lead is commanding.
Kamala Harris recently spoke about her dedication to her community and her plans moving forward. "I have been home for two weeks and three days. I plan to be in touch with my community, to be in touch with the leaders and figure out what I can do to support them," she stated, emphasizing her focus on local engagement and leadership.
She further articulated her commitment, regardless of political ambitions: "I am here and would be here regardless of the office I hold because it is the right thing to do, which is to show up in your community and thank the folks who are on the ground."
This deepened connection with her base in California may contribute to her strong showing in the polls, as voters often favor candidates who actively participate and engage with their issues and concerns.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, weighed in on Harris's potential candidacy. "If Vice President Harris enters the Democratic Primary, she would start as the clear favorite," he noted, highlighting her advantageous positioning at this early stage.
Kimball also pointed out the competitive nature of the race should Harris decide not to run: "Without Harris in the race, the primary is wide open." This statement underscores the significant impact her decision on whether or not to run has on the dynamics of the gubernatorial race.