The political landscape of California has been dramatically reshaped with former Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision to forgo a gubernatorial bid, immediately intensifying the battle for the state’s top office and prompting a significant shift in fundraising dynamics among key contenders.
Even before Harris formally announced her intentions, behind-the-scenes fundraising efforts were already in full swing, with Democratic former Representative Katie Porter emerging as an early front-runner in the burgeoning Governor race. Porter, fresh off a recent unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign, quickly capitalized on Harris’s withdrawal, demonstrating a robust capacity for political fundraising.
Within a mere 36 hours of Harris’s announcement, Katie Porter secured over $250,000 in donations, further solidifying her financial standing. This influx contributed to a total of $3 million raised by June 30, which included a substantial $1 million loan from her previous Senate campaign. The average donation size of $33 from over 34,000 individual donors underscores a broad base of support, granting Porter approximately $2 million in cash on hand for the challenging California election.
Porter expressed optimism regarding the donor enthusiasm, emphasizing the critical nature of the race for Californians who seek a leader capable of tackling the state’s pressing challenges. While independent polling is scarce, her significant name recognition, primarily from her high-profile Senate run and distinctive whiteboard-assisted public engagements, currently positions her favorably among voters in California politics.
Despite Porter’s early fundraising success, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, a close ally of Harris, presents a formidable challenge with a significantly larger war chest. Kounalakis, who secured early endorsements from influential figures like Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, reported a more modest $100,000 in donations during the first half of 2025. However, her impressive $4.6 million in cash on hand—more than double Porter’s funds—suggests a potent financial advantage in the unfolding California Governor race.
Kounalakis’s financial strength is bolstered by her deep connections to Harris’s political base, which is expected to translate into increased donations now that the former Vice President is out of the race. Furthermore, Kounalakis’s independent wealth, stemming from her background as the former president of AKT Development, a real estate firm founded by her father, provides an additional layer of financial resilience, making her a strong contender in California politics.
Another notable entrant, timeshare executive Stephen Cloobeck, quickly injected $10 million of his own money into his campaign just hours after Harris bowed out, though he publicly reported only $160,000 in donations otherwise. Meanwhile, two prominent Republican candidates are vigorously competing for funds, aiming to overcome the state’s significant Democratic voter registration advantage and secure a spot in the November 2026 runoff, where uniting behind a single candidate will be crucial for the GOP’s prospects in the California election.
Experts note that this particular Governor race is one of the most wide-open in modern California politics, lacking a clear precedent. The dynamics of name recognition, strategic alliances, and the sheer volume of political fundraising will ultimately shape the outcome of this pivotal election.
