Politics

NEW: California Has A Strong Chance To Flip Red In 2026, Shocking Poll Finds

Published

4 days ago

March 26, 2025

A new poll released earlier this week found that nearly half of California voters would consider voting for a Republican gubernatorial candidate when current Governor Gavin Newsom terms out in 2026.

The poll, which surveyed 700 likely voters between March 6 and 9, was conducted by David Wolfson, a national Pollster, and Faculty Lecturer at Columbia University’s Political Analytics Graduate Program sponsored by the media firm Madison McQueen. Voters were asked a number of questions about the economy, direction of the country and political leans headed into the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

Results were striking, as 48 percent of voters in the traditionally deep blue state indicated that they will consider voting for a Republican gubernatorial candidate.

“Are voters ready for a change from the policy priorities of Democrats?” said Owen Brennan, president of Madison McQueen. “With the right leadership and policy focus, California Republicans are looking at the biggest window of opportunity in a generation.”

The poll revealed a number of troubling signs for the Democratic Party when breaking down the results further. A large majority of voters, 83 percent, agreed that gas prices are way too high in California. The answer has largely been interpreted as an indictment of the state’s energy policies, as 69 percent of respondents said Democrat leaders have not done enough to bring down energy costs.

An additional 71 percent of likely voters believe Governor Newsom and legislative leaders have not done enough to bring down sky-high costs of living

Respondents also indicated souring approval of left-wing social issues, as 60 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea of taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens. 73 percent support fully funding anti-crime Prop. 36, which State Democrat Leaders have refused to do, while just 24 percent of respondents believe men should be able to compete in women’s/girl’s sports.

“Voters are increasingly concerned about the direction of California under one-party rule,” Brennan said. “On issue after issue, voters are seeing their quality of life fall and their cost of living rise.”

The Democratic Party field for the gubernatorial race has started to take shape, as former California Senate president Toni Atkins and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter have already declared. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is also reportedly eyeing a bid and would certainly emerge as the favorite if she does indeed choose to hop in the race.