Kamala Harris Leads Early Polls for California Governor Race 2026

Kamala Harris has emerged as a leading candidate for California governor in 2026, as evidenced by recent polling and media reports:

Polling Data: According to an Emerson College poll, cited on February 13, 2025, Kamala Harris leads with 57% of the Democratic primary support in California. This phone (landline cell phone) poll was jointly carried out by The Hill Inside California. At 9%, however, other than the nearest rival, former Rep., Katie Porter, is far behind.

Media Coverage: Various news outlets have reported on Harris's strong position:

The Sacramento Bee noted that Harris has broad appeal to women and minorities, and this report suggests that a 2026 bid could be in the offing.

The US Sun called her their Democratic Party candidate frontrunner by virtue of the fact that the current Governor Gavin Newsom will be term-limited and thus will be ineligible for office again.

KTLA reported on-the-record coverage of the California political races, with the implication that a Harris campaign could have an effect.

The Hill described the candidacy for governor of Hill, as the Democratic candidate in the governor's race.

Political Commentary: There's been significant commentary on Harris's potential run:

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed support for Harris should she decide to run, stating that she would be a "field-clearing" candidate.

There has been speculation and talk about her political future, and some sources such as Fox News reporting that it’s not out of the question she will avoid talking about it, but also that it would be quite likely she might run if she joins the race.

Public Reaction: Posts in the space x x (also known as Twitter) are a heady and thrilling mix about the potential for a Harris run for governor. Posts exist with the intensity of their leadership apprehension, posts exist with the intensity of their leadership confidence and some degree of radicalism.

Strategic Considerations: The seeming openness to Harris of exploring the waters of Gerber is the consequence of several interlocking factors such as her political strength after the vice-presidential period, historical electoral success in the state of California, and the rise of other Democratic candidates for the office of governor.

This summary shows that Harris is in a strong position as a possible candidate for California Governor, backed by polling, media accounts and political endorsements. Nevertheless, the ultimate decision to enter the race has not been revealed, and so is still available and public, so come election season the decision will have to be disclosed publicly.