California has once again become the focus of national attention, this time over Proposition 50, ongoing redistricting disputes, and speculation about whether Governor Gavin Newsom will seek the presidency in 2028. A new statewide survey shows deep enthusiasm for a potential Newsom campaign among Democrats, but far less support among independents and Republicans. Overall, 52 percent of California voters say they do not want Newsom to run for president, according to CBS News. The data suggests that while Newsom is popular within his party, his appeal drops sharply beyond it — a significant obstacle for any national campaign.
Despite mixed reactions to his presidential prospects, Newsom’s approval ratings as governor remain slightly positive, indicating that Californians view his state leadership more favorably than his national ambitions. Many voters say he’s attentive to both state and federal issues but less focused on their immediate local concerns. Political analysts say this reflects a growing perception that Newsom’s increasing national visibility — including his high-profile policy debates and travel — may be distracting from issues closer to home. Still, the governor remains one of the Democratic Party’s most visible figures and continues to command strong loyalty from his base.
The same poll found that enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris is notably lower, even in her home state. Fewer than one-third of California voters — and less than half of Democrats — want Harris to make another presidential run. Harris, who once served as California’s U.S. senator, carried the state in her 2024 campaign but has since seen her popularity erode. Among independents, skepticism runs deep for both Harris and Newsom, though voters remain slightly more open to the idea of a Newsom candidacy. The results highlight the broader challenges facing California Democrats hoping to extend their influence onto the national stage.
Beyond politics, the survey explored Californians’ views on how their state compares to others on key policy fronts. A majority of respondents said California leads the nation in technology, innovation, and culture, while just over half praised the state’s environmental policies. However, optimism fades when it comes to housing affordability, taxes, and the economy. Across party lines, voters described the cost of living as “unmanageable,” with concerns about high housing prices, utility bills, and taxes uniting residents from different income brackets. Even many upper-middle-class Californians said they feel financially strained, underscoring how economic pressures are shaping voter sentiment.
Those financial and social concerns are expected to heavily influence the 2026 gubernatorial race, California’s next major political test. Although the contest remains far off, the poll found that voters are already sizing up potential candidates. Among Democrats, Senator Alex Padilla is the most widely recognized name and is seen as a likely contender, though he has not officially announced a bid. Former Representative Katie Porter is also viewed as a possible candidate, but more voters reported uncertainty about her than about any other name. Overall, a majority of respondents said they haven’t heard enough about most potential candidates to form strong opinions, suggesting a fluid and unpredictable race ahead.
The survey also reflects growing frustration with both major political parties. Only about one-quarter of California independents believe Democrats or Republicans actively compete for their votes. Democrats score slightly higher on engagement but perform worse when asked whether voters feel taken for granted. This sense of political neglect, analysts say, could affect voter enthusiasm and turnout in both the 2026 gubernatorial race and the 2028 presidential election. Even in a state long dominated by Democrats, fatigue with partisan politics and economic stagnation appears to be eroding confidence in traditional leadership.
For now, Gavin Newsom remains a dominant figure in California politics — a governor with steady approval ratings, national ambitions, and a home-state electorate divided on his next move. But California’s broader challenges — from the housing crisis and soaring costs to political polarization and voter disillusionment — may ultimately determine whether Newsom or any future presidential hopeful from the Golden State can successfully make the leap from Sacramento to Washington. The next few years, both economically and politically, are likely to test whether California’s model of progressive governance can translate into broader national appeal.
