California Rep. Katie Porter announces run for Feinstein’s Senate seat

California Rep. Katie Porter, D, is running for Senate. Porter said she’s announcing her candidacy because California needs a warrior in Washington.

“The threat from so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell has too often made the United States Senate the place where rights get revoked, special interests get rewarded, and our democracy gets rigged,” Porter said in her announcement video.

There’s a catch. Porter is running for the seat currently held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who has yet to announce her plans for 2024. At 89, Feinstein is the oldest member of the chamber and she’s held her position for 30 years.

In December, Feinstein addressed speculation about her future by saying she plans to serve the remainder of her term that ends in 2024 and will make a decision about re-election by spring.

Regardless of whether Porter faces Feinstein or someone else in the primary, she’s got a big head start in fundraising. According to FEC filings, Porter had more than $7 million leftover after November’s midterms and is asking supporters for more money in her announcement. She raised a total of $25 million for her 2022 reelection campaign. She pledged to not take any money from PACs or special interest groups and promised to fund her campaign with grassroots support.

Regardless of whether Porter faces Feinstein or someone else in the primary, she’s got a big head start in fundraising. According to FEC filings, Porter had more than $7 million leftover after November’s midterms and is asking supporters for more money in her announcement. She raised a total of $25 million for her 2022 reelection campaign. She pledged to not take any money from PACs or special interest groups and promised to fund her ca

Porter has gained nationwide traction with viral committee hearing moments in which she asked direct questions to witnesses, including her questioning of big bank CEOs. She’s a member of the Oversight and Reform Committee and Natural Resources Committee. 

Normally, it’s proper etiquette in Washington to allow a senior member like Feinstein to make an announcement before jumping into the race. But Katie Porter is known for doing things differently, and just read a book on the subtle art of not giving a care in the world.