Former California Congresswoman Katie Porter Launches Campaign for Governor
In a social media video, Porter expressed her desire to prevent Trump from causing harm to Californians.
“What California needs at this moment is a spark of hope and an abundance of determination,” Porter wrote in the post on X announcing her candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
At 51, Porter noted that her first campaign for a House seat in 2017 was aimed at “holding Trump accountable.”
Porter, a consumer protection attorney, is also a mother of three.
In the video released on Tuesday, she reiterated her commitment to preventing Trump from “harming Californians.”
“During my time in Congress, I held the Trump administration accountable for its actions against Americans,” she stated. “As governor, I will never hesitate to stand up against Trump when he threatens Californians. Whether it’s delaying disaster relief, undermining our rights and communities, or exploiting working families for his own benefit, I will take a stand.”
The candidate emphasized her commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and access to abortion, while also ensuring that large corporations do not compromise the well-being of Californians.
“My sole motivation has always been to improve the lives of Californians,” Porter affirmed. “I will confront anyone who threatens their welfare because that’s what it means to have the courage to tackle our most challenging issues, to continue our progress, and to advocate for you. That’s the leadership California deserves.”

Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) reviews construction on a State Route 73 interchange from the 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa, California, on April 21, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Porter will compete against prominent Democrats who have already declared their candidacies. Former State Senator Toni Atkins, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Public Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, ex-State Controller Betty Yee, and ex-deputy secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Michael Younger have all entered the race.
Rick Caruso, CEO of Caruso real estate and the runner-up for mayor of Los Angeles in 2022, has also shown interest in running.
Republicans are preparing to vie for the governor’s position as well. Candidates already declared include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, business consultant Sharifah Hardie, entrepreneur Brandon Jones, and Vice President of Zacky Farms Leo Zacky.
In a statement made on March 11 regarding Porter’s gubernatorial campaign, Bianco criticized her, stating that she has “a record of supporting policies that have led to rising inflation and increased costs for groceries, gas, and energy. She embodies the same mindset of the unsuccessful career politicians who have contributed to California’s cost-of-living crisis.
“We cannot expect those who created this mess to resolve it. Californians deserve far better,” he asserted.
Other Republicans expressing interest include former State Senator Brian Dahle, former U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell, political adviser Steve Hilton, and media figure Caitlyn Jenner.