Polls thus far have shown former Rep. Katie Porter as the Democrat with the next-highest level of support after Harris. The former Orange County congresswoman said in a fundraising email that Harris’ decision “means we’re the clear frontrunner in the race.”

Harris announced on Wednesday she is not running for governor in the 2026 election to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run again due to term limits. Harris enjoyed an early polling lead in the race, and some Democrats speculated that if she chose to run, others would have exited the race, deciding not to compete against her.