Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, under fire for recently emerged videos showing her scolding a reporter and swearing at an aide, expressed remorse for her behavior on Tuesday in her first public remarks as the incidents were publicized.
Porter, a former House member from orange County and a top candidate in California’s 2026 governor’s race, said she “could have handled things better.”
“I think I’m known as someone who’s able to handle tough questions, who’s willing to answer questions,” Porter told Nikki Laurenzo, host of Inside California Politics and anchor on Fox40 in Sacramento. “I want people to know that I really value the incredible work that my staff can do.I think people who know me know I can be tough.But I need to do a better job expressing thankfulness for the amazing work my team does.”
Last week, a video emerged of Porter telling a separate television reporter that she doesn’t need the support of the millions of californians who voted for President Trump, and brusquely threatening to end the interview because the reporter asked follow-up questions. the following day, a second video emerged of Porter telling a young staffer, “Get out of my f- shot!” while videoconferencing with a member of then-President Biden’s Cabinet in 2021.
Porter on Tuesday said she had apologized to the staffer. She repeatedly sidestepped Laurenzo’s questions about whether other videos could emerge.
California Gubernatorial Candidate Katie porter Faces Scrutiny Over Past Treatment of Staff
California gubernatorial candidate Katie porter is facing criticism following the resurfacing of videos showing her sharply questioning staff members during her time in Congress. The controversy prompted State Senator Steve Yee to suggest she reconsider her candidacy, arguing her approach could harm Democratic efforts in upcoming elections.
Yee, a former vice chair of the California Democratic Party, expressed concern that Porter’s “demeanor” could jeopardize Democratic prospects in the November 4th election regarding Proposition 50 – a ballot measure aimed at redrawing congressional districts to favor the party – and potentially even cost the party control of the U.S. House of Representatives. He stated he was acting “what’s best for this party” and implied her candidacy could be a liability. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-25/katie-porter-staff-videos-california-governor-race
Porter addressed the issue during a virtual discussion with the progressive California Working Families Party, who are considering an endorsement. She acknowledged she could have handled the situations differently, stating, “I absolutely understand that I could have been better in those moments,” and pledged to “do better and to acknowledge that I fell short.” This echoed a previous statement where she said she holds herself and her staff to a high standard and strives to show gratitude for their work. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-25/katie-porter-staff-videos-california-governor-race
The reaction to Porter’s response has been mixed. A gathering of supporters in Anaheim, near her former congressional district, appeared more focused on her policy positions than her treatment of staff. Sebastian, a Santa Ana resident, stated he was more concerned with issues like rent control and immigrant protections, questioning, “How civil is her policy going to be?”
Jacob Daruvala, a volunteer working on Proposition 50, expressed a willingness to give Porter leeway, noting that he had previously supported politicians with similar behavior, prioritizing positive policy outcomes. “I want to give her a little bit of leeway, as I have happily worked for other politicians who are not so nice to staff, but when their policies create a kinder world in general, I’m generally willing to look over that,” he said.
Porter, a UC Irvine law professor, has largely refrained from extensive comment on the videos, declining multiple interview requests from the Los Angeles Times.