California’s gubernatorial race is turning into a political soap opera, and former Rep. Katie Porter is slipping on the stage.
The New York Post reported that the Democratic primary to replace current Gov. Gavin Newsom has Porter lagging at just 11% support in a fresh Emerson College poll released Thursday, facing a crowded field, resurfaced controversies, and a public image that’s taken a serious hit.
Porter entered the race with high hopes, once leading early surveys as a prominent Democrat in the Golden State. But the road to Sacramento has grown rocky, with her support among Democrats specifically sitting at a mere 17%. Meanwhile, a swarm of challengers has emerged, muddying the waters for her campaign.
Among her party peers, Rep. Eric Swalwell edges her out with 20% support among Democrats and 12% overall. Other contenders like billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are nipping at her heels, polling at 4% and 5% respectively.
Even former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra matches Steyer at 4%, proving this primary is anyone’s game.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted the split in voter loyalties: “Upon entering the race, Swalwell splits the Democratic vote with Porter, 20% supporting Swalwell and 17% Porter.”
That’s a polite way of saying Porter’s base is crumbling faster than a stale cookie. While Republicans split between Bianco (33%) and Hilton (30%), and 45% of independents remain undecided, Porter can’t even lock down her own party.
Then there’s the undecided crowd—31% of all voters haven’t made up their minds. That’s a huge chunk of potential support, but Porter’s recent missteps might keep them from ever swinging her way.
Public opinion isn’t doing Porter any favors either, with only 30% of California voters viewing her favorably compared to 34% who see her in a negative light. A whopping 37% have no opinion at all, which, in political terms, might as well be a shrug of indifference. For a candidate who once led the pack, that’s a troubling sign of fading relevance.
Part of the problem lies in resurfaced controversies that paint Porter as less than endearing. Clips and claims have bubbled up, portraying her as harsh with staff—a far cry from the approachable image many progressives try to project.
One ex-staffer didn’t mince words, describing her as “downright mean,” a label that stings in a state that often prides itself on compassion, however selectively applied.
Then there’s the footage of Porter snapping during a CBS News interview when pressed about Trump voters, threatening to walk away. Add to that a virtual conversation where she barked at a staffer, “Get out of my f—ing shot!” and you’ve got a candidate who seems more suited for reality TV drama than governing a state of nearly 40 million.
While frustration is human, this kind of behavior raises eyebrows about her temperament under pressure.
These incidents aren’t just isolated gaffes—they’re shaping how voters see Porter. In a political climate where authenticity and relatability are currency, coming across as a “bully boss” could be a fatal flaw. It’s no wonder her campaign has been contacted for comment, though one suspects the response might be a carefully crafted sidestep.
Contrast this with the crowded field she’s up against, and Porter’s slide in the polls starts to make sense. Swalwell, Steyer, and others are carving up the Democratic vote, leaving her with a shrinking slice of the pie. If she can’t redefine her image, she risks becoming a footnote in this race.
Let’s be fair—running for governor is no picnic, and California’s political arena is a beast of its own. Porter’s past as a vocal critic of corporate overreach and inequality won her fans, but goodwill only stretches so far when tempers flare on camera.
Conservatives might even sympathize with her irritation at tough questions, though not with the way she handles it. Still, the race isn’t over, and with 31% of voters undecided, there’s room for a comeback—if Porter can pivot.
’ll need to address these controversies head-on, not with defensiveness, but with a humility that’s often lacking in today’s hyper-polarized discourse. That might be a tall order for someone who’s built a brand on sharp elbows.
