Could Vice President Kamala Harris make a run for California governor in 2 years?

Vice President Kamala Harris, a California native, may have a potential path to the governor’s office in her home state. A recent poll conducted by the University of California at Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, revealed that 46% of registered voters in California would be open to supporting Harris if she decided to run for governor in two years. This news comes as current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot seek a third term in 2026.

Harris, who has a long history in California politics, served as San Francisco district attorney and state attorney general before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016. Despite losing to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 White House race, Harris remains a popular figure in her home state. In the recent election, she easily carried California’s 54 electoral votes and currently leads Trump by over 20 points with nearly 87% of the vote counted.

The race to succeed Governor Newsom is expected to draw national attention, given California’s status as the most populous state in the nation. With a Democratic majority that outnumbers Republicans by a two-to-one margin, the gubernatorial race is likely to attract top politicians from both parties. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a close ally of Harris, has already announced her candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race, setting the stage for a potentially competitive primary.

Despite speculation about her future plans, Vice President Harris has not publicly discussed any potential run for governor. Harris, who resides in the West Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood with her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, has deep roots in the state, having grown up in the Bay Area. Her decision to pursue the governor’s office would undoubtedly shake up the political landscape in California and beyond.

As the 2026 gubernatorial race continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Vice President Kamala Harris and other potential candidates vying to lead the Golden State. The outcome of this high-stakes election could have far-reaching implications for California and the nation as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.