Poll: Kamala Harris would be top candidate in California’s 2026 gubernatorial election – if she runs

After a tough election campaign, Kamala Harris ready for a new one?

Harris has not announced any plans, but a new poll asks Californians if they would consider Harris if she were to run for office governor in 2026.

“She not only has very high name recognition, but also a lot of residual support,” said professor Dan Schnur of the USC Annenberg School of Communication. “However, that support has not been tested in a statewide race against another formidable Democrat in a long time.”

The poll, by the UC Berkeley Institute for Government Studys, found that among the potential candidates was former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter leads with 13%; Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is at 12%; Republican Senator Brian Dahle is at 11%; current lieutenant governor Eleni Kounalakis is at 7%; and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is also at 7%.

When asked about Harris, she jumps to the top, with 33% of respondents saying they are very likely to support her and 13% saying somewhat likely.

“I would consider these numbers quite encouraging for the vice president,” said Eric Schickler, a political science professor at UC Berkeley. “It suggests that now that she’s out of the race, the race is really wide open.”

Harris served as San Francisco County’s district attorney and then moved to a statewide office as attorney general. She served as a U.S. senator for four years before becoming vice president. Harris has not said what happens next. Running for governor probably wouldn’t be easy.

“If she were to run, I mean, there’s certainly some formidable Democratic candidates in the race, and so she should be ready because, you know, for some serious opposition within the party,” Schickler said.

If she decides to run, Harris must make a quick decision.

“This race will start early next year, and while it will have more time available, it will not be indefinite,” Schnur said. “Even while she is resting and recovering from a very difficult time presidential campaignShe cannot afford to delay this decision for too long.”