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Governors

California Democrats Weigh Pros and Cons of Kamala Harris Running for Governor

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As Kamala Harris deliberates on a potential run for California governor, Democrats in the state are quietly weighing the pros and cons of her candidacy, with some arguing that she would be a favorite to win the governor's race but others expressing concerns about the potential impact on Democratic chances in swing districts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Dave Min and Rep. George Whitesides, two Democratic freshmen from California, expressed mixed views on Harris's potential candidacy, with Min saying he had no comment and Whitesides welcoming her to the race but acknowledging that he was focused on his own reelection prospects.
  • Top donors and interest group leaders have expressed concerns that Harris's candidacy could be hurt by her association with former President Joe Biden's presidential campaign and the party's loss in the 2020 election.
  • Harris has allies who believe she would be a strong candidate, citing her experience as district attorney, attorney general, and senator from California, as well as her ability to tackle major problems in the state, such as affordable housing and public safety.
  • Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, said that Harris's candidacy could help Democrats in 2026, citing her experience and leadership skills.
  • Harris critics point out that she would likely win the governor's race but could be a drag on vulnerable Democrats like Min and Whitesides, as well as State Assembly and State Senate districts where Democrats don't have many votes to spare.
  • Some California Democrats are worried about the impact of redistricting on their districts, particularly if Harris runs and her candidacy creates a presidential-year dynamic that could hurt down-ticket candidates.
  • Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, said that enthusiasm for Harris and for Democrats overall has resurged in the last few months in response to Trump, citing the "No Kings" march and other protests.
  • Rep. Young Kim, a California Republican, expressed skepticism about Harris's chances, but clarified that she was being sarcastic.

Statistics:

  • Harris has a high level of popularity among Democrats in California, with several private polls showing her numbers much higher than any declared candidate.
  • A recent private poll conducted for others in the state showed that Harris is viewed favorably by 73% of Democrats, compared to 44% for Xavier Becerra and 41% for Katie Porter.
  • The top two finishers in the California governor's race primary will advance to the November 2026 ballot.
  • Harris has asked several leading elected officials in the state for advice on whether she should run for governor, but has also reached out to former California governors to discuss the role's challenges.
  • California Democrats who won by small margins in 2022 could face harder races as their districts are redrawn in the middle of the decade.

Sources:

  • CNN
  • Rep. Dave Min
  • Rep. George Whitesides
  • Rep. Ro Khanna
  • Rep. Mike Levin
  • One California House Democrat who asked not to be named
  • Rep. Jimmy Gomez
  • Rep. Nancy Pelosi
  • Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove
  • Rep. Mark Takano
  • Rep. Young Kim
  • Xavier Becerra
  • Katie Porter
  • Antonio Villaraigosa

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