Another poll predicts high support for Kamala Harris in 2026 for governor. Will she run?
Another poll named Kamala Harris as a strong contender should she choose to run for governor of California next year.
In a poll published Thursday, Emerson College said a majority of likely Democratic primary voters would support the former Vice President in 2026.
Harris returned to her Los Angeles home earlier this year and is reportedly considering a run for the Golden State’s highest-elected office after losing to President Donald Trump in a race for president in November. She did not give a direct answer about her political plans when reporters pressed her for an answer last week while she surveyed damage from the Palisades wildfire.
“I have been home for two weeks and three days,” Harris said. “My plans are to be in touch with my community, to be in touch with the leaders and figure out what I can do to support them.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who rose up through San Francisco politics with Harris, is termed out and cannot run again. He is believed to be considering a run for president in 2028. A previous Emerson poll also predicted high support for Harris as a 2028 presidential contender.
Newsom, who is trying to court Trump’s support for disaster aid while fending off his demands for more hardline state policies, has a 42% approval rating. Forty percent said they disapproved.
Harris’ support was at 57% overall of likely Democratic voters. Her support was highest among women, Hispanic and Black Democratic voters, at 60%, 61%, and 64%, respectively, according to the results of the 1,000-person poll.
Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, also believed to be considering a gubernatorial campaign, polled at 9%. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who have both declared their intent to run, both polled at 4%.
Emerson conducted the poll via landline and cell phones with The Hill and Inside California on Feb. 10-11. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.
This story was originally published February 13, 2025 at 7:41 AM.
