The political landscape has been rocked by a bombshell revelation that could reshape the Democratic Party’s future.

According to a new poll from Sánchez Grass, a majority of Democratic voters now prefer California Governor Gavin Newsom over Vice President Kamala Harris as their choice for the party’s 2028 presidential nominee.

Poll: California Democrats like Gavin Newsom over Kamala Harris in 2028 - POLITICO

The findings, which have sent shockwaves through political circles, represent a stunning blow to Harris’s standing within her own party and raise urgent questions about the future of Democratic leadership.

The poll, conducted over the past week and released to the media this morning, surveyed 1,200 likely Democratic primary voters and found that 52% favored Newsom as the party’s standard-bearer in 2028, compared to just 38% who supported Harris.

The results were particularly striking given Harris’s current role as vice president and her status as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. But the numbers suggest that Democratic voters are looking for a fresh face and a new direction as the party prepares for the post-Biden era.

The findings have been met with a mix of surprise and concern from political analysts and party insiders. Harris, who has been a lightning rod for both praise and criticism since her historic election in 2020, has faced a series of challenges in her role as vice president.

From her handling of the border crisis to her approval ratings and the perception of her political future, Harris has struggled to solidify her standing as the heir apparent to President Biden. The Sánchez Grass poll is the latest sign that her path to the nomination is far from guaranteed.

Newsom, meanwhile, has seen his star rise in recent years. The California governor has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies, a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump, and a frequent presence on the national stage.

His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership on climate change, and his willingness to take on high-profile political battles have earned him a reputation as a bold and ambitious leader. The poll suggests that Democratic voters see him as a dynamic and electable alternative to Harris.

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The reaction from the political world has been swift and intense. Harris’s allies have pushed back against the poll, arguing that it is too early to count her out and that her role as vice president gives her a unique platform to build her case for 2028.

“Vice President Harris has been a trailblazer and a champion for the American people,” said one Democratic strategist. “She has the experience, the vision, and the determination to lead this party and this country. We’re confident in her ability to unite the Democratic base and win in 2028.”

Newsom’s camp, for its part, has been careful not to appear too eager to challenge Harris. The governor has repeatedly said that he is focused on his current role and has no plans to run for president in 2024 or 2028.

But the poll results have only fueled speculation about his ambitions and the possibility of a Newsom-Harris showdown for the nomination. “Governor Newsom is committed to serving the people of California,” said a spokesperson. “He’s not focused on 2028, but on delivering results for his state.”

The poll has also reignited a broader debate about the future of the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces in the post-Biden era. With the president’s approval ratings hovering in the low 40s and concerns about the party’s ability to connect with key voting blocs, there is a growing sense of urgency about the need for a new generation of leaders.

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The Sánchez Grass findings suggest that Democratic voters are looking for a fresh face, a bold vision, and a candidate who can inspire the base and appeal to independents.

For Harris, the poll is a wake-up call. Her path to the nomination is no longer a foregone conclusion, and she will need to rebuild her standing within the party and make a compelling case for her leadership.

The vice president has already begun to ramp up her public appearances, focusing on key issues like voting rights, reproductive freedom, and economic opportunity. But the challenge is steep, and the clock is ticking.

Newsom, meanwhile, faces a different set of questions. If he does decide to run, he will need to navigate the complexities of a national campaign, build a coalition that extends beyond California, and prove that he can be more than just a progressive darling.

The governor has shown flashes of national appeal, but he has also faced criticism for his handling of certain issues and his ability to connect with voters outside his home state.

As the political world digests the poll’s implications, all eyes will be on Harris and Newsom in the months ahead. The vice president will need to shore up her support, rebuild her image, and make a compelling case for her leadership. The governor, meanwhile, will face mounting pressure to clarify his ambitions and begin laying the groundwork for a potential run.

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In the end, the Sánchez Grass poll is a reminder of the fluid and unpredictable nature of politics. The Democratic Party’s future is far from settled, and the battle for the 2028 nomination is already heating up.

For now, the only certainty is that the political world will be watching closely to see how Harris and Newsom respond—and what comes next in the fight for the soul of the Democratic Party.