Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining attention as a potential candidate for the 2026 California gubernatorial race following a new poll.

A survey by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times, suggests Harris is a prominent contender due to her widespread name recognition in a speculative field of candidates, as Breitbart reports.

The poll indicates, however, that Harris may not enjoy as much support for the governor's position as she did in her recent presidential campaign.

Her deep roots in California politics, having served as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, and a U.S. senator, contribute significantly to her recognition among the Golden State's electorate.

Harris Jokes, but Plans Remain Unclear

Despite the poll pointing to Harris as a key figure in the potential race, she has not confirmed any intentions to run. Previously, she had humorously referred to the idea but has not made any official announcements.

California's current governor, Gavin Newsom, is not eligible for re-election due to term limits set by the state. This creates an opportunity for new leaders to explore the gubernatorial landscape, with Harris being a familiar face to many voters.

The survey reveals that 33% of California voters are very likely and 13% somewhat likely to support Harris for governor, contrasted with 36% of voters who outright oppose her candidacy. This mixed sentiment reflects a complex political landscape where Harris’s governorship prospects are concerned.

Harris and Party Affiliation Impacts

When Harris ran for the presidency in this past cycle, she secured 59% of the vote in California, illustrating a stronger support base in her previous campaign.

Her influence appears to vary, significantly impacted by party affiliation. Among Democrats, 54% express strong support, while 18% show some likelihood of backing her.

Republican voters, however, show considerable opposition, with a striking 84% indicating they are unlikely to support Harris. Independents exhibit a more divided response; 35% are not at all likely to support her, while notable portions remain uncertain or favorable toward her potential candidacy.

The survey, conducted from Oct. 22 to 29, questioned 4,838 registered voters in California. The results have a margin of error of ±2 percentage points, offering a snapshot of the political pulse regarding Harris’s potential gubernatorial bid.

Other Candidates Emerge in Poll

In addition to Harris, other political figures feature in the survey, providing a glimpse into voter interests for potential candidates. U.S. Rep. Katie Porter emerges as a favored option, appearing as the first or second choice for 13% of voters. Republicans Chad Bianco and Brian Dahle follow closely, indicating diverse preferences among the electorate.

Despite Harris's recognition, a significant portion of voters remains undecided about supporting any particular candidate, illustrating the early and tentative nature of this political speculation.

Mark DiCamillo, polling director at UC Berkeley, notes Harris's advantage lies in her statewide recognition. "Nearly all voters in this state have an opinion of her," DiCamillo highlights, underscoring her visibility as a major asset in the early stages of potential gubernatorial consideration.

Opinions on Harris Take Center Stage

While this poll is the initial attempt to measure public opinion on Harris running for governor, Californians seem to express reserved enthusiasm compared to her previous presidential bid, according to the Los Angeles Times.

It's worth noting that Harris previously established a campaign account to fundraise for a gubernatorial run, but this was closed in 2018 according to public filing documents. This past closure leaves questions about her potential re-entry into the race.

This polling data emerges during a dynamic time in California's political climate, with voters expressing varied interests and expectations. As the countdown to 2026 continues, the state watches closely to see which leaders will emerge and campaign vigorously for the role of governor.

Whether Harris decides to throw her hat in the ring remains uncertain, but her established political legacy in California clearly provides a springboard for possible endeavors in upcoming elections. For now, the conversation starts, with Californians participating curiously in this unfolding political narrative.