Former Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be struggling to generate excitement among Californians as speculation grows about her potential run for governor in 2026. With incumbent Democrat Gavin Newsom term-limited, Harris has been widely discussed as a possible contender. However, a recent survey conducted by Politico in collaboration with UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center shows that a majority of the state’s “policy influencers”—including state and federal lawmakers, staffers, and subscribers to Politico’s California-focused news products—express skepticism or indifference regarding Harris’s candidacy. According to the poll, 36% of respondents reported feeling “indifferent” about the prospect, while 20% were “irritated” and 4% “outraged,” suggesting that a significant portion of the political establishment is not particularly enthusiastic about the idea of Harris returning to a prominent role in California politics.
Among registered voters, the reaction was somewhat more favorable but still mixed. Within the Democratic Party, 41% said they would be “most excited” if Harris ran, while another 33% indicated they would feel “joyful.” Yet almost a quarter of Democrats reported indifference, signaling that even within her own party, enthusiasm is not overwhelming. Minority voters offered varied responses: 35% of respondents said they would be “joyful” about Harris entering the race, with 38% “mostly excited,” reflecting a moderate level of support. In contrast, 19% of Latino voters expressed feeling “hopeless” about her potential candidacy, and an equal proportion of Asian voters said they felt “irritated” by the notion, pointing to notable demographic nuances that could affect her electoral viability.
Harris, 60, has maintained a low profile since the 2024 presidential election, during which she suffered a defeat to former President Donald Trump. She has yet to formally announce whether she will run for governor in 2026 or set her sights on a 2028 presidential bid. Political analysts suggest that the former San Francisco district attorney and senator is still navigating the aftermath of her 2024 loss while weighing her next steps. Jack Citrin, a political science professor at UC Berkeley, remarked that Harris is trying to overcome the “heartbreaking” impact of that defeat while gauging how best to reestablish her political momentum. “These people are not given to euphoria,” Citrin noted, referring to the tempered reactions among California policy influencers.
The survey results suggest a challenge for Harris in terms of winning over key political insiders and building early enthusiasm for a statewide campaign. While she retains pockets of support, particularly among some Democrats and minority voters, the overall response indicates that her candidacy would not automatically ignite widespread excitement. With a substantial share of political influencers expressing indifference, irritation, or outright opposition, Harris may need to invest significant time and resources into outreach efforts, messaging, and coalition-building before she can confidently mount a statewide campaign. The lukewarm response could also shape media narratives and public perception, influencing both donor confidence and voter engagement.
Harris’s cautious approach to public appearances and messaging could reflect a strategic effort to recalibrate her political brand. By keeping a low profile, she may aim to avoid early missteps that could further erode enthusiasm among skeptics. Nevertheless, observers note that the window for establishing early credibility and excitement in a gubernatorial race is narrow. The survey underscores the importance of gauging both voter sentiment and the political establishment’s perspective, suggesting that Harris will face an uphill battle in securing the momentum necessary for a successful campaign in California, a state known for its diverse electorate and high political engagement.
Ultimately, Harris’s potential path forward will depend on her ability to address voter skepticism, energize her base, and build bridges with key constituencies across California. With the gubernatorial field set to open in 2026, early positioning will be critical to overcoming perceptions of ambivalence. Despite her public statements that she will “stay in the fight” and not “go quietly into the night,” the survey results reflect a reality in which enthusiasm for her candidacy remains modest at best. Harris faces the dual task of rehabilitating her political image while navigating a competitive and highly scrutinized electoral landscape, making her next moves pivotal in determining whether she can convert early interest into sustained support.
