Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a memorial ceremony for former President Jimmy Carter in the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. Carter's body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington on January 9.
Sacramento, California – As speculation builds over Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential bid for California governor, a new POLITICO–UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll reveals a striking divide between political insiders and everyday voters across the state.
While Harris has not formally declared her candidacy, her name recognition and fundraising power have already made her a dominant figure in the early stages of the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is barred from seeking reelection due to term limits. Harris is expected to make a final decision by late summer as she also considers a 2028 White House run.
According to the survey, California’s political influencers — including lawmakers, staffers, and policy professionals — are largely unfazed by the idea of a Governor Harris. A full 36% of this group described their reaction to her hypothetical candidacy as “indifferent.” Only 22% said they would be “mostly excited,” while 20% felt “irritated,” and just 4% expressed “outrage.”
“This group tends to be more jaded about politics,” said Jack Citrin, professor emeritus at UC Berkeley, who noted that insiders are rarely swayed by big names or emotional appeals.
Among registered voters, however, reactions were far more passionate — and polarized. Democratic voters were especially enthusiastic, with 33% saying they would feel “joyful” about Harris entering the race and 41% describing themselves as “mostly excited.” Negative sentiments among Democrats remained in the single digits.
Harris’ support among Democrats gives her a potential advantage in a crowded field. With Democrats holding a 20-point registration edge in California, a solid showing in next June’s primary could secure her a top-two finish and a place on the general election ballot.
Republicans showed strong resistance to Harris, with “irritated” and “outraged” topping their emotional responses. Meanwhile, independent voters were more skeptical than supportive — 26% reported feeling irritated by the idea of her candidacy, and 21% said they felt “hopeless.”
The poll also revealed a nuanced picture among voters of color. Black voters were most enthusiastic, with 73% expressing positive feelings. But support among Latinos and Asian Americans was more mixed, with notable shares indicating negative reactions.
Despite Harris’ clear lead in name recognition, several candidates — including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — are pressing forward with campaigns of their own, insisting that California’s next governor must “earn every single vote.”
