Katie Porter Video Leak: CA Candidate in 'Hot Water'
The official headshot of Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), 2019. Photo courtesy of United States Congress. Public domain.
A newly surfaced video from July 2021 reportedly shows Katie Porter, the leading Democratic candidate for California governor, erupting at a staffer who interrupted her during a video call with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. The clip captures Porter sharply telling the employee, "Get out of my f--king shot!" after the staffer stepped into view, disrupting the recording, as reported by POLITICO.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
The incident offers a rare glimpse into Porter's leadership style behind the scenes, contrasting sharply with the public image she has cultivated as a champion of accountability and clarity. The video, obtained exclusively by POLITICO, shows Porter visibly frustrated as she demands the staffer stay out of her camera frame during the online meeting. She also reminds the employee that they had been "in my shot before that," emphasizing her irritation.
WARNING: Profanity
Porter acknowledged the incident in a statement to POLITICO, saying she holds herself and her staff to high standards and has been working to show more gratitude for their efforts. She said, "It's no secret I hold myself and my staff to a high standard, and that was especially true as a member of Congress. I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work."
Pattern of Volatility
Yet, this moment of visible frustration is not isolated. Porter has faced repeated accusations of a volatile temperament and difficult behavior toward staff. In 2023, POLITICO reported on allegations that Porter belittled her staff and spewed "racist" remarks, according to Daily Caller. Divorce documents obtained by the Daily Mail that year also acused her of troubling personal conduct, including an incident where Porter allegedly poured a bowl of "steaming hot boiled potatoes" over her then-husband's head, as reported by Daily Caller.
Tense Interview Goes Viral
The July 2021 video surfaced amid a wave of scrutiny following Porter's recent tense interview with CBS California reporter Julie Watts. During that exchange, Porter grew visibly frustrated when pressed about how she would reach the 40% of Californians who voted for President Donald Trump. The interview escalated to the point where Porter threatened to end the conversation, saying, "I don't want to keep doing this. I'm going to call it," before clapping her hands and walking off camera, as reported by the Associate Press.
The viral clip drew sharp criticism from political rivals and commentators. Former California state controller Betty Yee called Porter "a weak, self-destructive candidate unfit to lead California," as reported by the Associated Press, arguing that her inability to handle tough questions showed she was not ready for the governor's office. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa echoed the sentiment, posting the interview on social media and stating, "We need a leader who will solve hard problems and answer simple questions."
Political Backlash
Republican strategist Karl Rove also weighed in, describing Porter as "an unpleasant person" and predicting she is "going nowhere" in California politics, as reported by The Hill. He referenced the viral interview and the newly released video of Porter's outburst at her staffer as evidence of her temperament issues. Rove said, "She got 1 out of every 6 votes last time around in the primary. Nothing she has done in the intervening two years is going to raise that number."
Former Democratic strategist Dan Turrentine, who has worked closely with Porter's office, described her as "condescending and patronizing," as reported by Daily Caller. He added, she "absolutely believes that she is right, you are wrong, she's smarter than you." He suggested that Porter's attitude toward Trump voters and tough questions alienates many people. Turrentine said, "You just can't talk to people like that. And that is Katie Porter's problem. It's why so many people dislike her and disliked her in Congress."
The Public Persona Versus Reality
Porter's public persona has long been built on her reputation as a fierce advocate for transparency and accountability. During her time in Congress, she reportedly became known for grilling corporate executives with a whiteboard in hand, breaking down complex financial figures into accessible critiques of corporate greed. This image helped her build a strong progressive following and positioned her as a front-runner in the crowded Democratic primary to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.
However, the contrast between Porter's public image and moments like the July 2021 video and the recent interview raises questions about her temperament under pressure. The tension between her brand of accountability and the frustration she displays in private settings has become a focal point for critics and rivals alike.
Some commentators have pushed back on the criticism, arguing that the resurfaced video is being taken out of context, and that scrutiny of Porter's tone reflects a double standard often applied to assertive women in politics.
Polling and Political Future
Porter served in Congress from 2019 to 2025 and lost the 2024 Senate primary to Adam Schiff. According to a Zogby Strategies poll, Porter trails Republican candidate Steve Hilton by 6% in the California governor's race, as reported by Daily Caller.
Moving Forward Amid Scrutiny
Porter's campaign insists that she is working to improve her leadership style and communication with staff. Yet, the resurfacing of the video and the viral interview clip suggest that managing pressure and criticism remains a challenge for the candidate as she seeks to expand her appeal beyond the Democratic base.
As the California governor's race heats up, Porter's ability to navigate scrutiny over her temperament and leadership style will likely play a significant role in shaping her path forward. Whether voters see these moments as isolated incidents or indicative of a deeper pattern could influence the outcome of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested primary.
References: Get out of my f--king shot': Katie Porter tears into staffer in newly released video | Democratic candidate for California governor threatens to end tense TV interview; clip went viral | 'So Many People Dislike Her': Dan Turrentine Goes Scorched Earth On Katie Porter After Interview Meltdown | Rove knocks Porter over testy interview, leaked video: 'She's going nowhere'
