A video from 2021 has recently surfaced, showing Democratic California gubernatorial candidate and former congresswoman Katie Porter instructing a staffer to “get out of my fucking shot.” This clip gained traction after Porter’s interview with CBS News California’s Julie Watts went viral, particularly when she was asked about addressing the 40% of California voters who backed President Donald Trump. The footage features Porter in a conversation with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, where she discusses potential financial losses for California before angrily addressing a staff member in the background.
“Stay away from my fucking shot!” she exclaimed, without turning to face the person involved. When the staff member tried to engage by clarifying comments about electric cars, Porter continued her outburst, insisting, “You were in my shots before that too. Stay out of my shots.” Staff members present in the video chose to remain silent when approached for comments.
Initially released back in 2021, this clip resurfaced when Granholm mentioned the incident via social media, stating it had been redacted and deleted.
In response to the video, Porter stated that she strives to be “more intentional” about showing appreciation to her staff. “It’s no secret that I hold myself and my staff to high standards, and that was especially true as a congressman,” she conveyed. “I have tried to be more intentional in showing my appreciation for the important work of my staff.”
This new footage surfaced just a day following a critical interview where Porter challenged Watts, questioning why he thought she needed support from Trump voters to win. “That’s the case in the general election. For me and the Republicans, I think we’re going to win over people who didn’t vote for Trump,” she remarked.
When Watts attempted to question her perspective further, Porter began to counter his points forcefully. She eventually stated that she would not continue the interview, citing an inability to have a “fun, positive conversation.” Following this, her behavior drew criticism from various quarters, including fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee, who suggested that Porter withdraw from the race. In a statement, Yee described Porter as a “weak” and “self-destructive” candidate.
“The curtain will be pulled back and there will be no wizard. Without the soundbites of a script or the scribbles on her whiteboard, voters will recognize what many have known for years: Katie Porter is unfit to lead California,” Yee declared. She stressed the gravity of the situation, claiming that if Porter struggles with reporters, she won’t be able to manage real crises effectively. “If she can’t take responsibility for her position, there’s no way she can provide the necessary accountability to California government,” Yee added.
A recent Zogby Strategies poll had initially shown Porter leading Republican candidate Steve Hilton by 11 points, but after voters were exposed to both candidates’ messages, Hilton has since taken a lead of 6 points over Porter.
