Katie Porter, the former Democratic Congresswoman aiming to succeed California’s term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, nearly leaves an interview when pressed about her strategy to attract Donald Trump supporters in California.
Footage has emerged showing Porter visibly upset as she struggles to provide a clear answer to this challenging question, even threatening to walk out.
The tense interaction occurred last month during an interview with CBS News California Investigators journalist Julie Watts. Things escalated when the reporter inquired about her chances with Republican voters.
“What do you say to 40 percent of California voters? Who do you need to get elected?” Watts asked her, suggesting the need to connect with Trump supporters.
“What do we need to do to win?” Porter seemed frustrated by the question but forced a smile, expressing her belief that she could secure the remaining 60 percent of non-Trump voters.
“I’ve managed to earn Republican votes in the past, but not every candidate in this race can say that,” she reflected on her experience in “purple” Orange County.
“Yet you mentioned we don’t need Trump supporters,” Watts shot back, prompting Porter to throw up her hands, feeling the conversation had turned “unnecessarily argumentative.”
When the reporter argued that the same approach was taken with all candidates, Porter responded, “I don’t want to continue this. I’m going to call you. Thank you.”
She then attempted to detach her lapel microphone, critiquing the interview style. In the end, both sides agreed to wrap up the segment.
Porter, who previously lost her Senate bid to Adam Schiff, is aiming to make history as California’s first female governor. Among her Republican opponents are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton.
