After two viral clips drew millions of views on X — one from a tense TV exchange and another from a 2021 staff dust-up — Democratic candidate for California governor Katie Porter broke her silence Tuesday, admitting she “fell short” and vowing to “do better,” The New York Times reported. The former congresswoman’s comments came as primary rivals seized on the videos and Democrats reassessed the 2026 governor’s race.
What the videos show
The first video, aired by a CBS affiliate in Sacramento, shows Porter laughing off a reporter’s question about her message to Republican voters and threatening to end the interview.
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The second, published by Politico, shows her cursing at an aide in 2021 who interrupted a video shoot to correct her remarks.
Porter’s remarks
Porter appeared on Inside California Politics on Tuesday to address the controversy surrounding the videos and attempt to smooth things over with voters.
“When I look at those videos, I want people to know that I understand that I could have handled things better,” Porter said. “I think I’m known as someone who’s able to handle tough questions, who’s willing to answer questions, and I want people to know that I really value the incredible work that my staff can do.”
She later spoke with the Working Families Party to share a similar message.
“I absolutely understand that I could have been better in those moments,” Porter said during a Zoom call. “I’m going to hold myself to that standard, to do better and to acknowledge that I fell short.”
Why it matters
Porter has been the early Democratic front-runner to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026. The videos injected new uncertainty into the race and sparked debate inside the party over whether she can maintain her lead.
Other Democratic hopefuls seized on the controversy. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released an ad featuring the TV exchange, saying California needs “leaders who will solve hard problems and answer simple questions.”
Former state controller Betty Yee posted on X to tell Porter to drop out, calling the onetime lawmaker “weak” and “self-destructive.”
Some Democrats defended Porter’s record as a forceful advocate and said male politicians are rarely judged as harshly for similar behavior.
What’s next
Porter said she plans to stay in the race and continue meeting with Democratic groups and unions. Powerful Democratic figures, including Sen. Alex Padilla, are reportedly being courted to enter the contest. Billionaire Tom Steyer also fueled speculation with a new ad backing Newsom’s redistricting measure, hinting he could join the race.
Porter’s campaign remains focused on rebuilding support and demonstrating, as she said, that she can “be tough” while learning from mistakes.
