In a stunning turn of events, front-running Democratic candidate for California governor, Katie Porter, finds herself at the center of a storm over recently surfaced videos that have sparked widespread criticism and threatened to derail her campaign.
According to Just the News, the controversy surrounding Porter involves unflattering videos and comments that have raised questions about her temperament and campaign strategy, prompting her to express regret and pledge to rebuild trust with voters.
Katie Porter, a prominent Democratic contender in the upcoming California gubernatorial race, has been viewed as a strong candidate with significant support. However, her campaign has hit a rough patch with the emergence of videos that paint her in an unfavorable light. These clips, which have circulated widely, have led to public backlash and intense scrutiny of her behavior.
The first of these videos dates back to 2021, when a recording published by POLITICO captured Porter on a video call with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. During the call, a staffer entered Porter’s frame, attempting to address a point she had made. Porter reacted sharply, instructing the staffer with harsh words to stay out of her view, noting they had previously been in her shot as well.
In the video, Porter can be heard saying, “Get out of my f‑cking shot.” She followed up by adding, “Okay, you were also in my shot before that. Stay out of my shot.” This exchange has drawn criticism for what many perceive as a lack of professionalism and respect toward her team.
More recently, Porter faced criticism for comments made during an interview with CBS News correspondent Julie Watts. In the discussion, Watts asked about the 40 percent of California voters who supported President Trump and whether Porter would need their votes to win the gubernatorial race next year. Porter responded dismissively, asking, “How would I need them in order to win, ma’am?”
Though she later softened her stance by saying, “I’m going to try to win every vote I can,” the initial remark raised eyebrows. As Watts pressed further with follow-up questions, Porter grew visibly frustrated, describing the interview as “unnecessarily argumentative.” She eventually ended the exchange abruptly, stating, “I don’t want to keep doing this. I’m gonna call it. Thank you.”
Porter also expressed irritation over the persistent questioning, telling Watts, “Nope, not like this I’m not. Not with seven follow-ups to every question you ask.” Watts, in response, asked if Porter was opting out of the interview entirely, to which Porter confirmed her decision to stop. It was noted by Watts that other candidates in the race had been asked the same question without similar pushback.
On Tuesday, Porter made her first public appearance since the videos surfaced, speaking on Los Angeles TV station KTLA, as reported by The Hill. During this interview, she was questioned about whether California voters could be assured that no additional harmful videos would emerge. Porter declined to make such a guarantee, leaving some uncertainty among her supporters.
Reflecting on the 2021 video with her staffer, Porter admitted her reaction was “wrong” and confirmed she had apologized to the individual involved. She expressed regret, stating, “I could have handled things better.” Porter elaborated on her feelings, saying, “When I look at those videos, I want people to know that I understand that I could have handled things better.”
She continued in the same breath, emphasizing her reputation for tackling difficult issues, “I think I’m known as someone who’s able to handle tough questions, who’s willing to answer questions.” Porter also highlighted her desire to show gratitude, adding, “I want people to know that I really value the incredible work that my staff can do.” In another statement, she acknowledged her demeanor, saying, “People who know me know I can be tough, but I need to do a better job expressing appreciation for the amazing work that my team does.”
Porter also addressed her broader approach to the campaign, stating, “What I know is that I could have done better in those moments.” She underscored her determination to move forward, saying, “I’m going to be focused on earning their votes and earning their trust.” Porter emphasized the challenges ahead, noting, “That’s true in every election. I’ve only ever had tough elections, so I’m absolutely aware that I’m going to have to continue to show them.”
She further committed to transparency, adding, “I’m going to have to answer every question.” The videos and interviews have cast a shadow over what was previously seen as a strong campaign for the Democratic hopeful. Political analysts suggest that her response in the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether she can regain momentum.
As the gubernatorial race heats up, Porter’s ability to address these controversies head-on will likely influence voter perceptions. Her acknowledgment of past mistakes may resonate with some, but others remain skeptical of her temperament under pressure. The path to the governor’s office in California is notoriously competitive, and these incidents could shape the narrative around her candidacy.