It appears that California’s leading Democrats are facing a challenging time in the court of public opinion. Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, both key figures within the Democratic Party, are encountering less-than-favorable ratings from voters, as revealed by a recent NBC News poll.
The survey, which polled 1,000 registered voters, indicates that just 27% of participants hold a positive view of Governor Newsom, while a significant 45% express a negative opinion of him. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris fares slightly better, with 34% viewing her positively, though a majority 51% regard her negatively.
Intriguingly, despite these lukewarm perspectives, Harris emerges as the preferred choice among Democratic voters when considering future political prospects. The poll explored voter preferences regarding candidates aligned with party ideals versus those more likely to secure electoral victories. Harris appears to capture the hearts of Democrats, with 67% expressing a favorable view of her as a potential presidential candidate, compared to Newsom’s 52% approval among the same group.
As for Harris, 51% have a negative view and 34% had a positive view.
However, when it comes to which lefty politician Democrat voters prefer, Harris is the favorite.
The survey, which asked primary voters if they prefer a party-aligned candidate over someone who is more likely to win an election, gave Harris the edge over Newsom — with 67% of Democrats saying they have a positive view of the potential future presidential candidate compared to only 52% for Newsom.
The poll comes as both Harris and Newsom position themselves for future presidential runs.
While the 2024 Democratic Presidential nominee hasn’t explicitly said she will seek the Oval Office again, she also hasn’t ruled it out — telling podcaster Sharon McMahon in February that she “might” run again.
In October, Harris told BBC that “I am not done” and “it’s in my bones.”
Newsom told CNN in February that it will be a family decision on whether he opts to run for the White House.
‘I said, ‘No, we’ll do [the] decision as a family.’ He goes, ‘You can’t.’ I said, ‘Why?’ He goes, ’I’m too young. You need to spend more time with us,’” Newsom told CNN. “I mean, how do you deal with that one?”
The California Post reached out to Newsom’s office for comment about the poll.
As Democrats hunt for a 2028 standard-bearer, the numbers offer a sobering reality check for two of the party’s most prominent potential contenders.
