Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, continues to play an unclear game over running for the position of California’s governor, causing visible disinterest amongst her party’s leaders. It seems the so-called ‘Kamala Harris fatigue’ is spreading amongst top Democratic members in the state, even if it hasn’t filtered down to the common voters as of now. One can’t help but wonder if these are the initial signs of the downfall of her popularity amongst her own people.
Granted, assuming Harris jumps into the fray – possibly as late as this summer – she might be the pre-determined favorite. She holds a certain level of popularity among the Democratic Party and in California. However, there is a sense of uncertainty whether this popularity stems from her policies or is merely an echo of Governor Newsome’s position.
Recent polls, such as the Inside California Politics/Emerson survey, unjustifiably place her in the lead with a 31% to 8% margin over former Rep. Katie Porter, the next contender. However, one can see this as more of a name recognition effect than a measure of substantive support.
Even so, her constant dithering serves as a reminder of her flip-flopping tendencies, leaving some significant Democrats in California disillusioned. There are speculations that she is leaving her options open for another try at the presidency in 2028, which considerably reduces her appeal as a dedicated leader.
Notably, a recent meeting of party insiders in Anaheim raised several eyebrows. Multiple influential Democrats expressed escalating frustration at the sight of Kamala Harris potentially using the governor’s seat as a ‘fallback option’. It’s worth noting that political positions shouldn’t be treated as mere trophies. The comment by a state party delegate sums it up, ‘California isn’t a consolation prize.’
This serves as a reminder of Harris’s mainly silent stand on California issues since Trump’s inauguration. Another state delegate added to this narrative, expressing concerns that Harris would misuse the gubernatorial position as a placeholder for a future presidential run.
Lorena Gonzalez, the head of the influential California Labor Federation, crystallized the growing ‘Harris fatigue’. This sentiment silently yet steadily spreads, with polls suggesting that these concerns are presently in the minority, but a shift amongst party officials and Democratic activists is evident.
The longer Harris delays her decision, the stronger the chances of ‘Harris fatigue’ permeating from party’s manageria to the common voters. It’s worth noting that currently, California’s populace is evenly divided, with 50% in favor of Harris’s run, and 50% opposing. However, this is in the context of a downward trend from the time immediately post-2024 elections.
Interestingly, Harris’s indecisive behavior has put the race in a standstill, especially for donors. It seems like funding has been largely frozen until she publicly announces her intentions.
Harris’s hesitation might be due to her distinct circumstances: her unexpected thrust into the presidential nomination and her struggles to maintain momentum in her campaign. Nonetheless, her wavering also shows a lack of decisiveness — a key trait unacceptable to those looking for strong leaders.
Regardless of whether she vies for the governor’s seat or the presidency, Harris will have to answer questions about her defense of former President Biden’s mental competence. A discussion that many Democratic candidates will face, none were as enthusiastic in Biden’s defense as Harris.
The observation by David Campos, vice chair of California Democrats, rings true: ‘people want to have a campaign, an election’ and not a predetermined outcome. Harris’s entry into the race could reignite the claims of favoritism from the 2024 election.
However, it’s interesting to note that not everyone in Anaheim expressed doubts about Harris. There were supporters who still held hope for the possibility of Harris ‘coming back to lead our state’. But as polls suggest, her support remains wobbly.
Lastly, if she continues to keep voters waiting without a clear vision, the risk of fatigue amongst her supporters increases. Though she might manage to put together a – likely winning – campaign, her prolonged indecision between Sacramento and Washington, DC only serves to enhance public skepticism.