It is early 2026, and if you follow politics even casually, you know that numbers usually tell a story. But with the former Vice President, the story is more like a rollercoaster. Looking at Kamala Harris' approval rating right now, you see a figure that is stuck in a tug-of-war between her past role in the Biden administration and her potential future in California or even a 2028 comeback.
Honestly, it’s complicated.
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As of mid-January 2026, the data from RealClearPolitics and Civiqs shows a persistent gap. Most aggregates place her favorability somewhere around 39% to 42%, while her unfavorable numbers hover stubbornly between 53% and 55%.
She isn't in office anymore, yet people still have very loud opinions about her. Why? Because she’s currently weighing a massive decision: running for Governor of California in the 2026 election.
What is Kamala Harris' approval rating telling us right now?
The numbers aren't just random digits. They reflect a nation that remains deeply polarized. If you look at the Civiqs data from January 12, 2026, the partisan divide is staggering. Among Democrats, she maintains a healthy 82% favorability. Republicans? Only 2% see her in a positive light.
That 80-point gap is basically the Grand Canyon of American politics.
But the real story is with the independents. This is the group that actually decides elections, and right now, they aren't sold. Only about 29% of independents view her favorably, while 60% view her unfavorably.
- Black Voters: Still a stronghold at 71% favorability.
- Young Voters (18-34): A bit more skeptical, with favorability sitting around 38%.
- Postgraduates: One of her strongest demographic groups at 49%.
It’s a weird spot to be in. Most former VPs fade into the background. Harris? She’s still at the center of the frame.
The California factor and the 2026 Governor's race
You might think a 39% national approval rating would be a death sentence for a political career. In most states, it might be. But California is a different beast entirely.
Recent Emerson College Polling shows that in a hypothetical 2026 gubernatorial primary, Harris is the clear frontrunner. She’s pulling about 31% support in a crowded field of Democrats. Her nearest competitor, Katie Porter, is way back at 8%.
Even though her national numbers are underwater, her "home court advantage" is real. About 48% of Californians still view her favorably. That is a massive disconnect from the rest of the country.
People in the Golden State seem to remember her as their Attorney General and Senator, not just the person who was tasked with the "border root causes" portfolio—a task that arguably did the most damage to Kamala Harris' approval rating during the Biden years.
Why did the numbers drop after the 2024 election?
It’s no secret that the 2024 loss left a mark. In October 2024, right before the election, Harris actually saw a surge. Gallup had her at 45% approval, which was higher than President Biden at the time. There was a moment of "Harrismania" where she narrowed the gap with Trump significantly.
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Then, the reality of the loss set in.
Harry Enten, a well-known data analyst, pointed out that her net favorability dropped from roughly -5 points in late 2024 to -13 points by late 2025. This "hangover effect" is common for candidates who lose a general election. Voters often move on to the next "fresh face," and the outgoing administration gets blamed for everything from grocery prices to global instability.
The "Liability" Narrative
There is a persistent argument—often seen in FiveThirtyEight circles—that Harris was "hidden away" by the Biden team because she was a liability. Whether that’s true or just a political talking point, the perception stuck. The "border czar" label, despite being technically inaccurate regarding her actual duties, became a weight she couldn't shake off.
What's next for Harris?
If you're wondering what to watch for, keep an eye on the end of the summer. Harris has reportedly set a deadline for herself to decide on the California governor's race.
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If she runs and wins, she becomes the immediate frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. If she stays out, she might be looking at the private sector or even a Supreme Court nod if the political winds shift.
The Actionable Takeaway:
If you are tracking Kamala Harris' approval rating to gauge her political future, look at state-level polls in California rather than national ones. The national "unfavorable" rating is heavily skewed by Republican voters who will never support her, whereas the California numbers reflect her actual path back to power.
Watch for the "persuadables"—that 16% of voters who are still unsure. How she talks about her time in the White House over the next six months will determine if those people move toward "favorable" or if she remains stuck in the low 40s.