California’s next governor’s race is still nearly two years away, but former Rep. Katie Porter is already facing turbulence. Once seen as the clear Democratic frontrunner, Porter is now under fire after a pair of videos circulated this week showing her clashing with a reporter and berating a staff member — incidents that have sparked criticism from opponents, strategists, and even fellow Democrats.

An Aggressive Interview

The first clip came from an interview with CBS News, in which Porter was asked what she would say to the roughly 40 percent of Californians who voted for Donald Trump in 2020. “How would I need them in order to win, ma’am?” she shot back at the reporter, visibly irritated. When pressed further, Porter insisted she could win without Trump voters, pointing to her experience representing a politically mixed district. As the conversation grew tense, Porter appeared eager to end the interview. Both her campaign and the reporter later confirmed that she continued for another 20 minutes, but the exchange — clipped and shared widely online — left an impression.

An Old Clip Has Porter In Hot Water

Politico obtained a separate 2021 video that captured Porter snapping at a staffer during a live recording with then–Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. When the aide stepped into frame to correct a detail, Porter can be heard saying, “Get out of my… shot.” The twin controversies have given her rivals new ammunition in what’s expected to be a crowded Democratic primary to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited in 2026. “Voters can be very forgiving,” longtime Democratic strategist Darry Sragow said. “But only when the candidate owns it and apologizes.” Porter has acknowledged the 2021 video but defended her standards. “It’s no secret I hold myself and my staff to a high standard,” she said in a statement. “I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work.”

Porter Isn’t Phased

Some Democrats were less sympathetic. “My first impression was, holy cow, what an argumentative interview for a non-argumentative set of questions,” strategist Doug Herman told reporters. “To take it off the rails for no apparent reason was shocking.” Still, Porter’s allies have come to her defense. Labor leaders who previously endorsed her — including the California Federation of Labor — reiterated their support. Her campaign shrugged off the criticism, framing Porter as a fighter unafraid to speak her mind. “Californians are hungry for a governor who they trust can fight for them against Trump,” campaign spokesperson Peter Opitz said.

Will Any Of This Matter?

Strategists are divided on how much the moment will matter. Some, like veteran consultant Jim Ross, called it “a bit of a manufactured issue,” noting that Porter’s status as a frontrunner makes her a target. Others say the optics could damage her with donors and voters looking for a steadier hand.

Porter Continues To Lead In The Polls

Porter still leads early polling — 18 percent in an August Emerson College survey, ahead of Republican Steve Hilton at 12 percent — but the race is far from settled. As political adviser Elizabeth Ashford put it, “By some standards, it might be a deal-breaker. By others, it’s just, ‘Oh wow, what a tough broad.’” Either way, Porter’s challenge is clear: convincing voters that her combative edge, the one that made her a progressive star in Congress, can also make her a capable governor.