Harris is looking to make her next move. But her latest plans are about to be ripped to shreds.
And Kamala Harris receives the worst news imaginable that has her ripping her hair out.
Kamala Harris Faces Tepid Response to Potential California Gubernatorial Run
In a recent survey by Politico and UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center, California’s political insiders expressed a striking lack of excitement about the prospect of former Vice President Kamala Harris running for governor. The poll, which captured the sentiments of both registered voters and a select group of policy influencers—including lawmakers and government staffers—revealed a sense of ambivalence among those shaping the state’s future.
While 36% of these insiders reported feeling “indifferent” about Harris launching a bid, only 4% said they’d be outraged, with 22% feeling “mostly excited” and 20% admitting to irritation at the idea.
Among California’s broader voter base, enthusiasm for Harris appeared stronger but far from universal. A third of registered voters described themselves as “joyful” at the thought of her candidacy, signaling a divide between the general public and the state’s political elite. Yet, independent voters showed significant skepticism, with 21% feeling “hopeless” and 26% expressing irritation at the possibility of Harris entering the race.
The response from voters of color painted a complex picture. Black voters showed notable support, with 35% feeling “joyful” and 38% “mostly excited” about a potential Harris campaign. However, other groups were less enthusiastic.
Nineteen percent of Latino voters reported feeling “hopeless,” while 18% of Asian voters admitted to irritation at the idea.
“It’s almost a surprising lack of enthusiasm,” noted Jack Citrin, a political science professor at UC Berkeley, commenting on the Latino response. He pointed out that recent elections have seen a shift among these voters toward Donald Trump compared to earlier cycles.
Harris, who has not yet confirmed her candidacy for governor, remains a prominent figure after her 2024 presidential loss to Trump. Stepping into the national spotlight as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden’s abrupt exit following a faltering debate performance, Harris has vowed to stay engaged in politics.
She’s also hinted at eyeing the presidency again in 2028. Recently, she took to social media to rally opposition to the current administration, stating, “Americans are standing up to the administration as they implement Project 2025 at full speed.”
The lukewarm reception to a potential gubernatorial run reflects deeper challenges Harris faced during her 2024 presidential campaign. Critics pointed to her struggle to connect authentically with voters, often citing a perceived lack of clarity in her messaging.
Her tenure as vice president drew mixed reviews, with some praising her advocacy on issues like voting rights and others faulting her for limited visibility on key policy fronts.
These dynamics carried into the election, where she failed to galvanize enough support to counter Trump’s momentum.
Moreover, Harris’s campaign was hampered by internal Democratic Party fractures. After Biden’s exit, she faced the daunting task of unifying a party grappling with uncertainty while fending off a reinvigorated Republican challenge.
Her prosecutorial background became a lightning rod for criticism, with opponents questioning her record on criminal justice. These factors contributed to a perception of Harris as a candidate who struggled to inspire confidence across diverse voter groups.
In California, where she built her career as a senator and attorney general, the lack of fervor among policy insiders and certain voter demographics suggests a steep road ahead.
If Harris aims to reclaim her political footing as governor, she’ll need to address these doubts head-on, proving she can reignite the enthusiasm that once propelled her to national prominence. But based off her track record in the 2024 election, her ability to accomplish this mission seems more like a dream than a reality.
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