Kamala Harris just suffered a devastating blow — and it happened in her own home state. A brand-new California poll shows the former vice president losing major ground with Democrat voters, just weeks after announcing she won’t run for governor.
Harris Falls Behind in Deep-Blue California
The Emerson College survey found Harris with a dismal 11% support in a hypothetical 2028 Democrat primary. She’s being crushed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 23% and Pete Buttigieg at 17%. Even radical New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is only two points behind at 9%.
For a politician who once claimed deep ties to California, these numbers are a public embarrassment.
From Biden’s Replacement to Trump’s Defeated Opponent
Harris’s political troubles have been brewing for years. Handpicked by Democrat leaders to face President Donald Trump in 2024 after questions about Joe Biden’s mental health, she lost every swing state and finished more than 2 million votes behind.
Pollsters note that Harris, despite serving as district attorney, attorney general, and U.S. senator from California, never built a strong base of support in the state.
Republicans Surging in the Golden State
On the Republican side, the numbers are far stronger. Vice President JD Vance dominates with 40% support, followed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy at 10% and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 9%.
This is a stunning sign that the GOP brand is growing even in traditionally Democrat territory.
Governor’s Race Leaves Harris in the Dust
With Harris out of the governor’s race, the spotlight has shifted. The poll shows Democrat Katie Porter in the lead with 18%, Republican commentator Steve Hilton at 12%, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 7%, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at 5%. A massive 38% of voters remain undecided, leaving the race wide open.
According to Emerson’s Spencer Kimball: “With Kamala Harris officially out, Katie Porter has emerged as the Democratic frontrunner.”
Harris’s Next Move?
In a July 30 statement, Harris claimed she “loves” California but, “after deep reflection,” will not run for governor. She has yet to say if she’ll enter the 2028 presidential race — but with her poll numbers collapsing, that decision may already be made for her.