Katie Porter for California governor? ‘We need fresh voices,’ Congresswoman says
Rep. Katie Porter will leave Congress next year, but she may be eyeing another elected seat: the California governor’s office.
“I’m grateful that Californians recognize we need fresh voices in our politics who are not afraid to call out nonsense, from Republicans or Democrats,” Porter posted on X Wednesday in response to an O.C. Register report about a poll showing she is a top choice among California voters for governor in 2026.
The Irvine Democrat served three terms in the House and opted to run for California’s open Senate seat this year rather than seeking re-election. She finished third in the March Primary behind Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey, a former Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star.
If Porter were to join the governor’s race, she would wade into an already crowded field that includes state Sen. Toni Atkins, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former state Controller Betty Yee, all Democrats.
With Gov. Gavin Newsom termed out after 2026, Democrats have sought to get an early jump on raising money and name ID in what could be a chaotic race to lead the most populous state in the union and the world’s 5th largest economy.
Even more candidates are considering bids for governor, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra – both Democrats – and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican.
A poll conducted by USC, Cal State Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona in September found that half of California voters haven’t made up their minds on an election that’s still two years away.
But 14% – the largest group – said if the election were held today, they would vote for Porter.
“Our next Governor needs to be laser focused on solving Californians’ biggest challenges, most of all cost of living,” Porter wrote in a follow-up reaction to the poll Wednesday.
In a Thursday morning post, the Irvine Congresswoman applauded a move by Gov. Gavin Newsom to aggressively crack down on a Los Angeles-area city that banned development of new homeless shelters.
“We are letting the tweets speak for themselves,” said Jordan Wong, the director of Porter’s PAC, when asked to comment on Porter’s future ambitions.
The outgoing congresswoman has said she planned to return to teaching at UC Irvine School of Law after leaving Congress next year.
The poll surveyed 1,685 likely voters statewide between Sept. 12-25. It showed the biggest group of voters have not made up their minds about the 2026 governor’s race.
“The 2026 governor’s race is wide open and anyone could win,” said Christian Grose, USC political science professor who conducted the survey. “Driven by high statewide name recognition after her unsuccessful Senate primary run, Katie Porter leads the pack.”
Porter had the most support In a question that asked about both confirmed and potential candidates. State Sen. Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, who challenged Newsom for the top office in 2022 but lost, had the second-highest support with 5.3%. Bianco was third with 4.7%.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 4:34 PM.