Nearly 30 former staff members are backing Katie Porter as her controversial clips overshadow her California gubernatorial campaign.
These ex-officials from her congressional office and previous campaigns characterized the videos as misleading in a letter to a regional news outlet on Monday.
They stated, “The traits that make Katie effective do not necessarily make her seem calm to those around her.” One outlet labeled the footage a “caricature created from a few clips of a bad day,” suggesting it does not accurately portray her leadership.
This support comes just weeks ahead of a crucial vote in a closely contested race with no clear Democratic leader.
Porter is competing for prominence against billionaire Tom Steyer and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in the Democratic Party.
Changes have occurred since Eric Swalwell’s resignation amid sexual assault allegations.
However, Republican contenders like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton consistently lead in polls, raising fears that Democrats may not make it to the general election.
A recent investigation indicated that Hilton and Bianco were ahead, trailed by Becerra, Steyer, and Porter.
The controversy involves two notable instances.
In October, Porter clashed with CBS reporter Julie Watts, appearing annoyed by inquiries about courting support from Donald Trump followers, eventually threatening to cut the interview short.
Another video from 2021 showed Porter chastising a staff member who interrupted a recording about electric vehicles.
Porter later acknowledged she “could have handled things better.”
Her former aides didn’t contest her demanding nature, mentioning her standards were the highest they’d ever encountered, which motivated them to work for her.
“That’s one reason we chose to work for her,” they noted. “Footage of our least favorable moments doesn’t represent Katie’s or anyone else’s complete career.”
A source mentioned that the letter supporting Porter was organized by Jordan Wood, a former chief of staff and a current candidate for the Maine House of Representatives. The staffers featured in the Politico video did not sign the letter.
Porter’s workplace culture has faced its share of scrutiny. Reports indicate her office has an above-average turnover rate, presently employing 119 staff members, significantly more than those expressing support for her.
Porter served Orange County for three terms before losing her Senate bid in 2024.
