California's policy influencers are showing a lackluster response to Kamala Harris's potential run for governor, according to a newly released survey, Fox News reported.
The survey, conducted among California voters and policy insiders, reveals a stark division in enthusiasm for Harris, suggesting a challenging path if she decides to enter the gubernatorial race.
The survey, a collaboration between Politico and UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center, highlights the mixed reactions of different demographic groups toward Harris's potential candidacy. Although Harris has not officially declared her candidacy for the Californian governorship, she continues to be a notable figure on the political stage. Recently, Harris positioned herself as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential race following President Joe Biden's exit.
Among the general populace of registered California voters surveyed, there appears to be a relatively favorable outlook toward Harris's potential candidacy. Approximately one-third of these voters expressed feelings of joy, should she decide to pursue the state’s top executive position. However, this sentiment is not echoed to the same extent by the state’s policy influencers.
For policy insiders, the reaction is less enthusiastic, with thirty-six percent expressing a complete lack of excitement about Harris making a gubernatorial bid. The survey also showed a smaller faction of influencers in various camps, with 22% feeling mostly positive, and a minority feeling either upset or extremely pleased.
This apparent disconnect between general voters and policy insiders might suggest a unique challenge for Harris, should she attempt to navigate California’s intricate political landscape.
Diving deeper into demographic details, the survey uncovers diverse reactions based on racial backgrounds. While 35% of Black voters felt joyful and a similar proportion were mostly excited about Harris's possible entry into state politics, the responses among Latino and Asian voters presented a less optimistic picture.
Latino voters showed mixed reactions, with 19% feeling a sense of despondency about Harris’s potential campaign. Similarly, among Asian voters surveyed, irritation was voiced by 18%, underscoring potential hurdles in gaining widespread demographic support.
Independent voters also presented a mixed narrative. A significant segment—26%—felt irritated, while 21% expressed hopelessness about the scenario of Harris entering the gubernatorial fray.
According to Jack Citrin, a political science professor involved in the survey, the shifting dynamics within certain voter groups, particularly Latinos who are increasingly gravitating towards former President Trump, add complexity to Harris's potential bid. Citrin noted that the sentiment shift is almost unexpected given past voting trends in the state.
Kamala Harris, though appearing less frequently in public post-2024 presidential race, has maintained her political activism, notably critiquing the fast-paced implementations of the Trump administration's Project 2025. Despite a subdued public presence, Harris has continued to affirm her political engagement through social media and public statements, confidently asserting her ongoing involvement in political matters.
Sharing her commitment to remain politically active, Harris posted a short speech clip, reaffirming her resolve to stay engaged in political discourse: "I'll see you out there." This suggests her intent to maintain a significant role even outside of direct electoral candidacies.
While she has not declared her candidacy for the governorship, her public statements and continued visibility suggest she remains open to future leadership roles, potentially building towards a 2028 presidential run. The insights gleaned from the survey illustrate a landscape that Harris would need to thoughtfully navigate if she decides to officially enter the competition for California’s governorship.
The findings from the survey provide a nuanced overview of the current enthusiasm—or lack thereof—for a Harris gubernatorial bid, contextualized within the broader political environment. These insights not only shed light on the complex opinions of California’s diverse electorate but also reflect the challenges inherent in political re-engagement after a significant federal-level campaign.
Ultimately, the road ahead for Kamala Harris appears to be paved with both opportunities to capture certain voter bases and challenges needing strategic engagement to overcome marked ambivalence, especially from pivotal policy influencers and independent segments.
