Katie Porter, the Democratic nominee for California’s governor, faced renewed scrutiny after videos of her outbursts during a 2021 campaign arose. The first incident occurred during a video call with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, where she snapped at a staffer who wandered into the shot. She yelled, ‘Get out of my f—ing shot!’ and later scolded the staffer for appearing in the background before. The footage, obtained by Politico and released Wednesday, highlights the tension in the room as she tried to maintain focus on the discussion about energy and climate issues. The Department of Energy’s final version of the webinar included an edited-out version of the outburst, suggesting the agency may have felt the incident was too controversial for the public record.
The second incident occurred during an interview with CBS California reporter Julie Watts, where Porter was asked about the 40% of California voters who supported Donald Trump. Porter, who is seen as a frontrunner in the Democratic primary, responded with frustration and abruptly ended the interview, stating, ‘I don’t care.’ She appeared to become increasingly agitated as the reporter pressed her on the question, with Porter accusing the reporter of making the exchange unnecessarily argumentative. When Watts pointed out that other candidates had answered the same question, Porter refused to continue, expressing her displeasure with the reporter’s approach. The interview, which went viral after being shared online, drew significant criticism from conservative commentators, who accused Porter of avoiding difficult questions and struggling with follow-up queries.
Both incidents have sparked controversy within her campaign and among her supporters, with many questioning her ability to manage media scrutiny and maintain composure under pressure. The Porter campaign did not immediately respond to inquiries about the incidents, leaving the public to speculate on her stance. The incidents have also raised questions about her suitability for the role of governor, with critics suggesting that her conduct may not reflect the leadership required for the position. As the race heats up, her response to these allegations could have a significant impact on her candidacy and her chances of securing the governor’s office.