By James Bradley, Photo by Mehmood Yousafzai
COMMENTARY–A recent LA Times poll conducted by UC Berkeley reveals a stark divide in how Californians view two of the state’s most prominent Black Democratic leaders: Vice President Kamala Harris and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The results are eye-opening—and the public’s frustration is palpable.
Kamala Harris enjoys a 50% favorable rating statewide, bolstered by near-universal name recognition as she eyes a potential 2026 gubernatorial run. But her high negatives—matching Bass’s in some metrics—signal challenges ahead, even in a liberal stronghold like California. Is her national profile enough to overcome growing voter skepticism?
Karen Bass, on the other hand, is struggling. Only 19% of Californians view her favorably, with 50% of LA voters holding a negative opinion. Her handling of the devastating Altadena and Pacific Palisades wildfires has fueled criticism, and a recall effort against her is gaining traction. With 82% of LA voters forming an opinion on Bass, her image is underwater—especially among younger voters and non-Black demographics. Can she recover before her 2026 reelection bid?
The Bigger Picture: California’s Discontent
The poll reflects a deeper unrest. Californians are increasingly fed up with the Democrat machine that’s dominated state politics for decades. Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval hovers at a shaky 46%, with 54% of voters believing he’s more focused on a 2028 presidential run than governing the state. His policies—pushing DEI-driven laws like the Textured Hair Education Bill while suspending environmental regulations to rebuild after wildfires—have left many questioning his priorities.
From skyrocketing housing costs to rampant homelessness and crime, voters feel the state is on the wrong track. The Capitol Weekly poll found 79% of Californians—68% of Democrats included—believe the Democratic Party is failing to counter the Trump administration effectively. Add to that Newsom’s vetoes of labor protections and caste discrimination bans, and it’s no wonder why many are fleeing the Golden State for greener pastures.
Internet Buzz & Public Sentiment
Online, the chatter is loud. X posts echo the LA Times findings, with users like
@MissionLoco noting Harris’s high negatives as a “problem” for her gubernatorial ambitions. Others, like
@shelbygrad, amplify the poll’s stark contrast between Harris and Bass. Recall efforts against Bass are gaining steam, with supporters warning of “right-wing billionaires” targeting LA, while critics argue her leadership has failed Angelenos. Meanwhile, Harris’s potential run is met with mixed emotions—33% of Democratic voters feel “joyful,” but 19% of Latino voters feel “hopeless.”
Californians, We Want to Hear from YOU!
Are you still inspired by career politicians like Kamala Harris, Karen Bass, and Gavin Newsom? Or are you among the growing number of disenfranchised voters tired of one-party rule, DEI agendas, and governance that seems to prioritize optics over results? What do you think about the recall effort against Bass? Should Harris run for governor, or is it time for fresh faces to tackle California’s crises? Drop your thoughts below and let’s spark a conversation!
Share this post, tag your friends, and let’s get California talking! Together, we can hold our leaders accountable and demand the change our state desperately needs.
Sources:
- LA Times Berkeley IGS Poll, May 12, 2025
- Capitol Weekly Poll, Feb 6, 2025
- POLITICO & CalMatters for Newsom’s governance and DEI laws
- X posts reflecting public sentiment