Kamala Harris may be eyeing her political comeback, but Republicans believe her next move could ironically hand them a rare advantage in deep-blue California.

According to Politico, the former vice president is widely expected to jump into the 2026 California gubernatorial race — a move GOP insiders say could spark a much-needed boost for Republican candidates struggling to gain traction in the Democratic stronghold.

Despite California’s entrenched left-wing politics, conservative strategists are seeing a silver lining. Harris’ longstanding unpopularity among Republicans, conservative voters, and — critically — national donors, may help galvanize financial support for a GOP field that otherwise faces an uphill battle.

California hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger — a unique political anomaly — won during the 2003 recall election. Since then, Democrats have held a firm grip on Sacramento. But with Gov. Gavin Newsom termed out and Harris seen as a leading Democratic contender, Republicans see a potential opening to tap into voter dissatisfaction and, at the very least, raise significant campaign cash.

“Harris’s possible entry [in the gubernatorial race] is already bringing GOP candidates tactical benefits, allowing them to run against a high-profile adversary who’s likely to energize donors and the conservative rank-and-file,” Politico reported.

With Harris expected to announce her decision by the end of summer, many California Democrats are in a political holding pattern. Republicans, on the other hand, are already moving forward as if she’s the de facto nominee — and they're sharpening their message accordingly.

“I sense that this is the best shot for someone to be elected statewide in California who’s not a Democrat for at least 20 years, and I think the evident reason for that is the failure of one-party rule,” Republican candidate Steve Hilton wrote in a recent email to supporters.

He continued: “The candidate who’s going to win in 2026, regardless of party label, is the change candidate. Kamala Harris is the one who least represents change.”

For the GOP, the prospect of facing Harris — a politician whose approval ratings have long underwhelmed — could be a powerful motivator, particularly in the donor class.

“I think it could attract some donors from around the country who might be interested in taking another pound of flesh,” Republican political consultant Dave Gilliard told Politico.

Gilliard emphasized just how significant Harris’ candidacy could be when it comes to unlocking campaign cash — a key hurdle in any statewide race in California.

“Money is the biggest obstacle other than the registration because the donor world doesn’t think a Republican can be elected governor anymore,” he said.

Indeed, Harris’ political future has appeared uncertain since her resounding loss in the general election last November. Her public appearances have been sparse and mostly uninspired, often greeted with criticism or indifference — even among Democrats who once rallied behind her.

That’s precisely why many observers believe a gubernatorial run may be Harris’ last chance to resuscitate a battered political brand. But if she enters the race, she may unwittingly hand Republicans their most compelling opportunity in decades to make gains in a state dominated by the Left.

As one GOP insider put it: Kamala Harris represents the establishment. And in a state where voters are increasingly disillusioned with status quo leadership, that may be the most motivating message of all — for both voters and donors.