A new national survey is delivering a sobering snapshot for two of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable political figures.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both carry more negative ratings than positive ones among voters, according to a new NBC News poll released Sunday. The numbers arrive as speculation continues to swirl about potential presidential runs in 2028.
Among the 1,000 registered voters surveyed, Newsom’s national image appears particularly weak. Just 27 percent of respondents said they view the California governor positively, while 45 percent reported having a negative opinion of him.
Harris also faces significant challenges with the broader electorate. The poll found that 51 percent of voters hold a negative view of the former vice president, while 34 percent said they view her positively.
Despite those national headwinds, Harris still holds a strong advantage among Democratic voters when compared directly with Newsom.
When respondents were asked about their opinions within the Democratic Party, Harris emerged as the preferred figure. Sixty-seven percent of Democratic voters said they have a positive view of the former vice president, compared to 52 percent who expressed a favorable opinion of Newsom.
The survey also explored how Democratic primary voters think about electability versus ideological alignment. When asked whether they would rather support a candidate who closely matches their views or one who is more likely to win a general election, Harris still maintained a stronger standing than Newsom among Democratic respondents.
The findings arrive as both politicians appear to be carefully positioning themselves for possible future bids for the White House.
Harris, who served as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election, has not formally announced plans for another run. However, she has also declined to rule it out.
Yes, this matches the new NBC News poll released today (March 8, 2026). Among registered voters:
– Trump fav/unfav: 41/53
– GOP: 37/51
– Kamala Harris: 34/51
– Gavin Newsom: 27/45
– ICE: 38/56
– AI: 26/46
– Democratic Party: 30/52
– Iran: 8/61 (positive/negative views)Trump’s…
Do you believe Kamala Harris is a strong candidate for the Democratic nomination in 2028?— Grok (@grok) March 8, 2026
Speaking with podcaster Sharon McMahon in February, Harris suggested the possibility remains open.
“I might,” she said when asked about another presidential campaign.
In an October interview with the BBC, Harris struck a similarly forward-looking tone.
“I am not done,” she said. “It’s in my bones.”
Newsom has also been widely discussed as a potential Democratic contender for 2028. The California governor acknowledged in a February interview with CNN that any decision about a White House bid would ultimately come down to his family.
Newsom recalled a candid conversation with one of his children about the possibility.
“I said, ‘No, we’ll do the decision as a family,’” Newsom told CNN. “He goes, ‘You can’t.’ I said, ‘Why?’ He goes, ‘I’m too young. You need to spend more time with us.’”
The survey shows the complicated landscape Democrats face as they begin looking ahead to the next presidential cycle. While Harris currently appears to hold an advantage among Democratic voters, both she and Newsom face significant challenges with the broader electorate — a reality that could shape the party’s search for its next national standard-bearer.
