With the conclusion of the November 5 presidential and local elections, discussions about the 2026 California gubernatorial race have already begun. Speculation surrounds several potential candidates, including Rep. Katie Porter, current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and real estate developer Rick Caruso. Notably, there is growing speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris potentially entering the race.

Current Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in 2026. In preparation, the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) conducted an early preference poll last month among 4,838 registered voters in California, available in English and Spanish.

The poll identified early frontrunners among Democratic and Republican potential candidates. The results revealed:

Katie Porter (Democrat): Leading with 13% support, noted for her high-profile campaigns and endorsements.
Chad Bianco (Republican): Riverside County Sheriff, trailing closely with 12%, popular among GOP voters.
Brian Dahle (Republican): Former state senator and past gubernatorial candidate, with 11%.
Other notable figures included Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis, Villaraigosa, Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Attorney General Rob Bonta, with varying levels of support between 7-5%. Caruso, a prominent businessman, received 4%.

The poll also explored Kamala Harris’s potential impact on the race. If Harris were to run, 46% of respondents indicated they would likely support her, while 42% leaned against it. Harris, having served as California Attorney General and U.S. Senator before becoming Vice President, retains significant recognition and political clout in the state.

(Reporter: Hyung-Seok Han)

<Hyungseok Han>