California Republicans, sidelined in statewide races, are hopeful that Kamala Harris enters the 2026 governor's race. They see her as a perfect antagonist that could energize donor networks and attract national media attention. Her advantageous profile, despite their belief that she cannot be defeated, could create a more dynamic race. Republican campaigns are already adjusting their strategies, focusing on her polarizing public image. They aim to leverage past experiences with anti-establishment sentiments to increase fundraising and grassroots support as they prepare for a challenge against Harris.
Harris would enter with towering advantages in terms of name recognition, institutional clout, and access to national fundraising. But Republicans aren't expecting to win outright.
Republican operatives point to past races where challengers to figures like Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi raked in small-dollar donations by leaning into anti-establishment fervor.
Harris embodies the failures of the past, leading Republicans to perceive her potential candidacy as a means to generate national fundraising and media attention.
Money is the biggest obstacle but she could attract donors from around the country who might be interested in taking another pound of flesh.
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