California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter is under renewed scrutiny this week — not for her campaign proposals, but for her conduct. A newly surfaced video from 2021 shows the former congresswoman losing her temper with a staffer, adding to a string of tense public moments as she campaigns for governor.
Politico obtained the footage, which captures Porter snapping, “Get out of my f—— shot!” after a staffer attempted to correct her while she recorded a message for the Biden administration. The clip spread quickly online. It coincides with another tense moment — a contentious interview with a California CBS news station that ended with Porter threatening to leave the set.
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Questions about conduct
The incidents have revived earlier questions about Porter’s management style and behavior toward staff. While in Congress, she was accused of demoting an employee, and court filings from her divorce included claims from her ex-husband that she verbally abused him and threw objects during arguments.
“It’s no secret I hold myself and my staff to a high standard, and that was especially true as a member of Congress,” Porter told Politico in a statement. “I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work.”
According to Porter’s official campaign website, she entered politics after the 2016 election, motivated by concern for the country’s future. In 2018, she became the first Democrat to represent her area in 75 years by winning a Republican district.
Porter built a reputation for her sharp questioning and straightforward approach during her three terms in Congress. She sponsored measures to hold corporations and insurers accountable, strengthen disaster response and support first responders.
Poll highlights divided electorate
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California holds a jungle primary, where all candidates run on a single ballot regardless of party.
The gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom is already testing Porter’s support. A John Zogby Strategies poll of 1,000 likely California primary voters shows Porter leading among Democrats with 24.8%. However, when campaign messaging was tested, Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton gained 29% support, while Porter received 23%, highlighting the impact of messaging on voter preference.
Hilton tops the field with 14.1%, while former Trump official Richard Grenell draws 8% support, showing early momentum among Republican voters.
About 23% of respondents remain undecided, highlighting the race’s fluidity. The results suggest Porter is strong within her party but faces an uphill battle appealing to Republican and independent voters in a general election matchup.
California’s “jungle primary” system advances the two vote-getters, regardless of party, to the general election. The primary will take place in June 2026, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
