Kamala Harris Holds 31% Lead in 2026 California Governor Nonpartisan Primary as Former Vice President
A series of recent polls indicate that Kamala Harris holds a commanding lead in the hypothetical 2026 California governor race. An Emerson College poll from April 14, 2025, shows Harris, a Democrat and former Vice President, leading with 31% support in the state's nonpartisan primary, where the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. Her closest competitor, Democrat Porter, has 8%, followed by Republican Bianco at 4%. Other candidates, including Democrats Kounalakis, Villaraigosa, Becerra, and Republicans Langford, have support ranging from 2% to 4%, with 39% of voters still undecided. Additional polling data from April 2025 also reflects Harris' strong position, with commentators noting her chances of winning the governorship have quadrupled. Without Harris in the 2028 primary, other Democratic candidates such as Buttigieg (17%), Booker (14%), and AOC (14%) lead, while California Governor Gavin Newsom polls at 10%. Overall, the data underscores Harris' dominant standing should she decide to run for California governor in 2026.