Former Vice President Kamala Harris continues to have a clear path to become California’s next governor, if she decides to jump into the race.
A new poll from Inside California Politics and Emerson College that was released on Tuesday showed Harris as the favorite among the candidates for governor in 2026.
State of the race: According to the poll, Harris – who has not even announced if she will run – would lead the pack in the 2026 primary with 31% support.
- That’s nearly four times higher than the next candidate, former Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine), who is at 8% in the poll.
- Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, was third at 4%.
- Lt. Gov. Elenis Kounalakis, who jumped into the race two years ago in an attempt to quickly position herself as the favorite to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, polled at 2%, along with former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Kyle Langofrd and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former State Controller Betty Yee and former State Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D–San Diego) were among the candidates to poll at 1%.
- The poll also found that 39% of voters are undecided.
What we’re watching: Harris has taken time off after losing to President Donald Trump last November in her bid for the White House, opting to wait before deciding on a potential gubernatorial run.
- Reports from earlier this year said Harris plans to make her decision at the end of the summer.
What they’re saying: “How competitive the 2026 gubernatorial primary in California depends on whether or not Harris runs – other candidacies, like Katie Porter’s, are contingent on whether or not the former Vice President enters the race,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. “Harris garners 49% of Democrats, while Porter gets 13%. Without Harris in the race, Porter’s support among Democrats rises to 21%, which would make her an early frontrunner in a crowded field.”
