‘Good to Be Home’: New Poll on Kamala Harris’ Approval

Former Vice President Kamala Harris makes remarks

Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a virtual address at the California Democratic State Convention, opting not to appear in person. In her three-minute video, Harris highlighted challenges presented by President Donald Trump’s administration but did not indicate any intention to run for governor of California. Harris has maintained a strong political presence in California, but many believe she will seek to run for the White House.

A Capitol Weekly poll recently indicated Harris leads with 44% among Democrats in California, ahead of Katie Porter’s 28%. However, pollsters warn there is a high number of undecided voters as well as pushback from non-Democrats. In April, a Politico/UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll found that roughly half of all voters opposed her candidacy, with 33% of Democratic voters expressing very strong support.

Donald Trump on stage

Harris said, "While this administration in Washington tries to divide us, we here know that we are stronger when we stand together." She added, "It's good to be home!"

Kamala Harris speaks at Northwestern High School

Harris stated, "Instead of the administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing a wholesale abandonment of those ideals."

Former President Joe Biden speaks and Former Vice President Kamala Harris

Harris said, "What we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envisioned for America, right now we are living in their vision for America, but this is not a vision that Americans want." She added, "It is not okay to detain and disappear American citizens or anyone without due process."

Kamala Harris arrives at Detroit Metro Airport

An AtlasIntel poll has shown Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg as the leading candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, receiving 31.5 percent support from Democratic voters. Harris ranked third with 16.6 percent.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg said, "There are times I follow that process and decided to run, and there are times I followed that process and decided not to run — and the process can lead you to surprising places."

Pete Buttigieg on stage speaking

California Democratic activists have reportedly expressed frustration over Harris’s lack of clarity, as many desire a definitive candidate to endorse. Should Harris decide to run for governor, she would likely forfeit her opportunity to seek the 2028 presidential nomination.

Former Presidential nominee Kamala Harris and running-mate Tim Walz

Harris has not provided a timeline for her decision but has informed advisors she will clarify her plans by late summer. Harris said, "My plans are to be in touch with my community, to be in touch with the leaders and figure out what I can do to support them."

Kamala Harris delivers her acceptance speech

Harris added, "I am here and would be here regardless of the office I hold, because it is the right thing to do, which is to show up in your community and thank the folks who are on the ground."

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.