Should Kamala Harris Run for California Governor?

Should Kamala Harris Run for California Governor?

Here’s The Scoop

California’s political scene is buzzing with speculation about former Vice President Kamala Harris potentially running for governor, but it seems the enthusiasm isn’t exactly overwhelming, especially among the state’s policy insiders. A recent survey by Politico and UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center reveals a tepid response from those in the know, with 36% of policy influencers expressing indifference towards Harris’s possible gubernatorial bid. Only 4% would be outraged, and a mere 22% are “mostly excited.”

Harris, who has yet to officially announce her candidacy, remains a polarizing figure. After her 2024 defeat to President Donald Trump, she pledged to stay active in politics, eyeing a possible 2028 presidential run. However, her appeal seems to be waning, particularly among independent voters in California, where 21% feel “hopeless” and 26% “irritated” by the prospect of her running for governor.

Interestingly, the survey highlights a shift among Latino voters, with 19% feeling “hopeless” about Harris’s potential candidacy. This echoes a broader trend of Latino voters moving towards Trump, a shift that was evident in the general election compared to previous years. As Jack Citrin from UC Berkeley points out, this lack of enthusiasm is noteworthy.

While Harris enjoys some support among Black voters, with 35% feeling “joyful,” the overall mixed reactions from voters of color suggest a challenging road ahead for her in California. Meanwhile, Harris continues to voice her opposition to Trump’s administration, recently taking to social media to rally against Project 2025.

Despite her limited public appearances since the election, Harris insists she’s not stepping back from the political arena. Yet, as California’s political landscape evolves, it’s clear that Harris’s path to any future office will require more than just name recognition. The question remains: Can she rekindle the excitement among voters that once propelled her to the national stage? Only time will tell.

What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!

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