Why [5] CA Democrats Now Prefer Newsom Over Harris in 2028

California Democrats Lean Toward Newsom Over Harris for 2028

Introduction

A new statewide survey shows Gavin Newsom leading Kamala Harris among California’s Democratic voters for the 2028 presidential primary—25% to 19%. With Newsom picking up 75% of voters’ excitement compared to Harris at 67%, the governor seems to be energizing his base more effectively than the former vice president.

At the same time, Newsom’s fiery social-media campaign mocking Donald Trump has gone viral—and analysts say it is boosting his national profile. Meanwhile, his push to redraw California’s congressional districts has elevated both attention and controversy ahead of a possible presidential launch.

What the Poll Says

• Newsom leads Harris among California Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents by 25% vs. 19%.
• A greater percentage are excited about Newsom running (75%) compared to Harris (67%).
• Pete Buttigieg (13%) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (10%) trail behind in the state.
• Among “policy influencers,” enthusiasm drops sharply: Newsom gets 14%, Harris just 2%, while Buttigieg leads at 19% in that group.

What’s Fueling Newsom’s Rise

• Viral Social Strategy: His satirical, all-caps parody posts and AI-based content are driving massive online engagement, including surging follower counts across platforms. Betting markets now place his Democratic nomination odds at roughly 24%.
• Bold Policy Moves: Newsom’s plan to override California’s independent redistricting commission and redraw districts has placed him in a more prominent—and polarizing—national position.

Harris: Support Dipping

• Since her 2024 loss and decision not to run for California governor in 2026, Harris has kept a low profile—and her poll numbers reflect a cooling of enthusiasm.
• Some observers warn her appeal may feel outdated compared to Newsom’s high-energy campaign style.

What Voters Are Saying

• Some argue that Newsom’s strategy of “fighting fire with fire” appeals to Democratic voters who want more aggressive messaging.
• Others believe his approach risks alienating independents who dislike political theatrics.
• Harris’s lower energy and reduced visibility are seen as clear disadvantages in a fast-moving digital age.

FAQs

Q: Is this poll statewide or national?
A: The poll surveys registered Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters in California, not the nation.

Q: How was excitement measured?
A: Voters were asked how “excited” they would be about each candidate. Newsom scored 75% excited vs. Harris’s 67%.

Q: What about national experts?
A: Among policy-influencer respondents, Harris lags at 2% compared to Newsom’s 14%, while Buttigieg leads at 19%.

Q: Does online popularity translate to votes?
A: Not necessarily—social media attention may help visibility, but converting that into actual votes remains an open question.

California Democrats appear to be leaning toward Governor Gavin Newsom over Vice President Kamala Harris as their preferred choice for the 2028 race.

Conclusion

In short: Gavin Newsom currently holds a measurable advantage over Kamala Harris in California’s Democratic primary field for 2028—but that edge may owe more to energy, visibility, and narrative momentum than to established political strength. The question now is not just "Who leads today?" but "Who can sustain support when the campaign turns serious?"

This is no ordinary race. It is shaping up as a battle between spectacle and strategy, personality and structure—and whichever path voters choose now may define the Democratic Party’s direction heading into 2028.