The vast majority of California voters do not think Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., should run for president in 2024, despite rumors he could be a potential front-runner if President Joe Biden decided to not seek re-election.
A new Quinnipiac University poll found that 70% of California voters, including a majority of Democrats, do not think their governor should make a bid for the White House next fall, with only 22% hoping Newsom gets into the race.
Among likely Democratic voters, 54% do not want Newsom on the 2024 ticket.
"A resounding thumbs down from the home team as California voters tell the Governor: if you have designs on the big job beyond Sacramento, we're not on board," Tim Malloy, Quinnipiac University polling analyst, said of the polling results.
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Newsom has said that he will not run for president next cycle if Biden does not seek another term, but has not ruled out a run in the unlikely chance that the president opts out of the race.
According to the poll, only 44% of Californians approve of the job Newsom is doing as governor, while 45% disapprove of his handling of the position.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., recently announced she will not be seeking re-election the Golden State next fall, opening up the Senate seat. Even before Feinstein announced she would retire after her term expires, several California representatives had jumped into the race.
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When asked about Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a candidate, 31% of respondents said they have a favorable opinion of the congressman, with 30% reported an unfavorable opinion of the Democrat.
While only 30% on individuals have favorable views of Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., and just 11%, had an unfavorable opinion of her. But 59% said they had not heard enough about her to share an opinion.
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., the most recent California representative to enter into the Senate race, received a favorable opinion among 18% of respondents, while 11% had an unfavorable opinion and 71% did not know enough about her.
When asked what the most important issues facing the state, 22% said homelessness,17% said affordable housing, and 10% said inflation is the most pressing issue.
"What worries the Golden State most? Dealing with the homeless crisis and finding a home Californians can afford to live in," said Malloy.
The Quinnipiac University poll was conducted from Feb. 23 - 27 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
