Former Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-Calif.) had a disappointing outcome in her Senate nomination campaign last year, finishing third in the Democratic primary. There’s now a left-leaning law professor looking to make a comeback by running for governor of California.
According to recent polls, Porter has a significant lead over not only her fellow Democrats but also Republican contenders like Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. However, concerns about her temperament and reluctance to address pertinent questions could be jeopardizing her strong position in the gubernatorial race.
A rather tense moment unfolded this week when Porter abruptly left an interview with CBS News after a reporter’s question about what she would say to the American people. She seemed dismissive of the notion that she needed to engage California’s Republican voters, stating, “I think we’ll beat those who didn’t vote for Trump.”
When the reporter continued probing, Porter expressed frustration, claiming the conversation was excessively adversarial. Her frustration was evident when she turned away to say that she wanted to make a call, clearly annoyed with the direction of the interview.
Democratic strategist Gail Kaufman weighed in, stating, “Is this a disaster? Yes.” She added that this incident only enhances the negative reputation that was already surrounding Porter.
Former California officials have also criticized Porter. Antonio Villaraigosa remarked that the state needs leaders who can confront tough issues and address simple questions directly. Meanwhile, Xavier Becerra seemed to take issue with Porter’s contempt for reaching out to Republican voters, emphasizing his commitment to encouraging, rather than eliminating, voting.
Betty Yee tweeted that Porter is “a weak, self-defeating candidate” who lacks the necessary temperament to lead, urging her to withdraw from the race altogether. Another tweet echoed this sentiment, claiming that Porter’s behavior during the interview showcased her unsuitability for the role of governor.
Porter’s campaign has not responded to inquiries following the fallout from the interview. Critics point to this incident as more than a singular event—it reflects a perceived pattern of poor temperament that many have documented.
A viral video from 2021 further adds to this narrative. It showed Porter reprimanding a staffer during a meeting with Biden’s administration for interrupting her, insisting they weren’t allowed in her shot while belittling their attempts to clarify her statements about electric vehicles.
In a statement, Porter acknowledged the high standards she holds herself and her staff to and noted her efforts to express gratitude for their work. However, challenges surrounding her temperament continue. Former staff members and even a past partner have described her behavior as problematic, with allegations of abusive tendencies surfacing.
