Katie Porter Releases New Campaign Ad Using Viral Moment
California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter has unveiled a fresh campaign advertisement referencing a viral incident from last year that highlighted a particularly intense moment during a video conference.
In October, a video from a 2021 conference circulated once again, showing Porter in a call with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. During the call, a staff member unexpectedly appeared in the background, prompting Porter to loudly demand, “Get out of the damn shot!”
In her latest ad, set against a backdrop of individuals holding whiteboards, Porter humorously remarks, “Now, everyone, can you please step out of my picture?” This line nods to her earlier outburst.
In her pitch to voters, she emphasized her uniqueness compared to other candidates. “I’m a single mother of three and, like many Californians, I fill my gas tank and push my shopping cart,” Porter stated. She pointed out that her approach aims to address the concerns of residents who aren’t backed by major corporate finances.
“I think it’s essential to show Californians that I’m just a regular person,” Porter explained in the ad. “Unlike typical politicians, I do everyday things. But it’s also crucial for leaders to own their past mistakes and demonstrate growth. That’s what inspires trust.”
Porter also faced scrutiny after a tense interview with CBS News Reporter Julie Watts in October 2025. When asked about appealing to Trump supporters, Porter dismissed the question as being “unnecessarily argumentative.”
“I don’t want this to continue. I will be addressing it,” she stated firmly.
This incident gained attention, particularly alongside another moment where Porter confronted a staff member, after which she issued an apology.
“I took charge during that interview, and I’ve been doing so for five years now, managing that team,” Porter remarked, acknowledging her misstep. “I believe this demonstrates true leadership, which I want to convey to voters.”
According to an April poll of potential voters, Porter ranked fifth with about 8% to 9% support, while Xavier Becerra leads the Democratic field. Republican Steve Hilton, endorsed by Trump, is currently at the top of the polls.
