URGENT UPDATE: A video released by Politico shows California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter angrily berating a staffer during a July 2021 video call. This footage has surfaced just as Porter ramps up her campaign for the 2026 gubernatorial race, raising eyebrows within the political community.
In the clip, Porter, who was a U.S. Representative at the time, is discussing energy and climate issues with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. When a staffer inadvertently steps into the frame, Porter snaps, exclaiming, “Get out of my f—ing shot!” She further admonishes the staffer, saying, “You were in my shot before that. Stay out of my shot.” This outburst was notably edited out of the final version of the webinar produced by the Department of Energy.
The resurfacing of this video follows another recent incident where Porter confronted a reporter during an interview about California’s redistricting efforts. In that exchange, when CBS California reporter Julie Watts pressed Porter on how she plans to attract voters who supported former President Trump, the atmosphere turned tense. Porter responded, “How would I need them in order to win, ma’am?” Watts pointed out the necessity of courting these voters, to which Porter rebuffed, “I feel like this is unnecessarily argumentative.”
As the interview escalated, Porter attempted to end the discussion abruptly, stating, “I don’t want to keep doing this, I’m going to call it,” and later adding, “I don’t care,” when challenged about her reluctance to answer follow-up questions. This moment has sparked significant debate online, with critics highlighting her difficulties in handling press inquiries.
Political analysts are closely watching these incidents as they may impact Porter’s campaign momentum. Known as a frontrunner in the Democratic primary, her recent behavior raises questions about her leadership style and public persona as she seeks to secure a place in California’s political landscape.
The Porter campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the video or the interview incident. As the 2026 race heats up, observers will be keenly monitoring how these controversial moments affect her public perception and voter support.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and watch for further updates on Katie Porter’s campaign strategy and public engagements.
