Poll Tests Kamala Write-In Scenario as California Governor Race Shifts [WATCH]

A new text-based poll is asking California voters whether they would consider writing in former Vice President Kamala Harris for governor, raising fresh questions about the direction of an already unsettled race, as reported by The New York Post.

Screenshots of the survey show it asks respondents multiple questions focused on Harris and her potential viability as a write-in candidate.

One question asks voters about the likelihood they would write in Harris’s name on the ballot. Another presents a scenario in which Harris is actively running a write-in campaign and asks respondents who they would choose in that situation.

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A third question asks whether voters believe the write-in process is easy or difficult.

Under California law, candidates must meet specific requirements to qualify as a write-in option.

According to the California Secretary of State, a candidate must file a statement of write-in candidacy between April 6 and May 19.

During that same period, write-in nomination papers must be circulated and submitted to a county elections official.

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The threshold for qualifying is relatively low. “Takes a whopping 65 signatures!” said Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc, a bipartisan voter data firm.

The emergence of the poll comes as the Democratic field in the California governor’s race continues to shift.

Rep. Eric Swalwell recently suspended his campaign following reported accusations of sexual misconduct, opening up a portion of the Democratic voter base that other candidates are now competing to attract.

Among those positioned to benefit are former Congresswoman Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer, both of whom are seeking to consolidate support in a crowded field.

Observers have noted that the Democratic primary has lacked a clear frontrunner capable of separating from the pack.

The possibility of Harris entering the race — even as a write-in candidate — has been described as a potential game changer.

Darwin BondGraham, a news editor who shared screenshots of the poll, wrote, “Someone is sending up a trial balloon to see if Kamala Harris could swoop in and win the California governor’s race.”

Based on this text poll, which is being sent to CA voters right now, someone is sending up a trial balloon to see if Kamala Harris could swoop in and win the California’ governor’s race. pic.twitter.com/kmIhtRxoZ1

— Darwin BondGraham (@DarwinBondGraha) April 12, 2026

Harris has not publicly indicated any plans to enter the contest. Inquiries from the California Post to her office were not returned.

As recently as Friday, Harris said she “is thinking about” running for president again during remarks at a convention hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton.

Al Sharpton: “Are you going to run again in 2028?”

Kamala Harris: “I might. I’m thinking about it.” pic.twitter.com/m6XS51EQqn

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) April 10, 2026

The poll has also sparked speculation about its origins and intent. Some social media users suggested the survey could be an effort by Republicans to influence the race by encouraging a write-in campaign that could divide Democratic voters.

Before Swalwell’s exit, Democrats had expressed concern about a crowded primary field splitting the vote and potentially allowing Republican candidates to advance.

Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters move on to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco remain in the race, and a fractured Democratic vote could increase the likelihood of both advancing to the general election.

While Swalwell’s departure may reduce that risk, the introduction of a write-in option for Harris could again disperse Democratic support.

The California Democratic Party has reportedly been encouraging lower-polling candidates to exit the race in an effort to consolidate support.

The impact of the poll and any potential write-in effort involving Harris remains unclear as the filing window for such candidacies is now open.

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