Katie Porter’s campaign for California governor is making waves with bold, explicit messages aimed at voters.
“F-Trump!” was the chant that echoed from the former congressman during the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco on Saturday. This seems to be a response to his declining approval ratings after a recent video showed him confronting his staff during a TV interview.
Porter held a mini-whiteboard for the crowd of hundreds, dramatically emphasizing her stance against former President Trump. As she shouted lines intended to resonate with the audience, there was a noticeable moment of hesitation. “Yes, you’re right,” she admitted, almost reluctantly. “F-Trump.”
“Together, we will defeat President Trump in November,” she clarified, adding that her intentions go beyond just opposing Trump. She promised to challenge him and his supporters in the same assertive manner she did during her congressional tenure, with or without the infamous whiteboard.
Porter is among seven Democratic candidates eyeing the upcoming race, which could see two Republican front-runners—former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—emerging for the June primary. Interestingly, California hasn’t had a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped down in 2011.
Throughout her speech, Porter’s proposals leaned significantly to the left, distinguishing her from others in the gubernatorial race. She advocated for single-payer healthcare, free tuition for students at UC and CSU, and scrapping the state income tax for those earning below $100,000.
But her approach wasn’t all about strong words. “I’m running for governor because I’m motivated and ready to get it done,” was another takeaway from her address. This underscores a certain determination she seems to carry.
In an intriguing personal touch, Porter also referenced her gender as a notable factor in the race. “I’ve never had a governor wear high heels before,” she quipped, raising her foot to show off her shoes, which added a light-hearted twist to her serious campaign narrative. “I think it’s about time.”
