Former California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, who is running for governor of California next year, said she regretted her behavior after two videos of her threatening to walk out of an interview and berating a staffer made headlines.
“When I look at those videos, I want people to know that I understand that I could have handled things better,” Porter told Nexstar’s Inside California Politics on Tuesday in her first public remarks on the footage. “I think I’m known as someone who’s able to handle tough questions, who’s willing to answer questions. And I want people to know I really value the incredible work that my staff can do.”
“People who know me know I can be tough,” she said. “But I need to do a better job expressing appreciation for the amazing work my team does.”
KATIE PORTER’S ‘UNHAPPY’ INTERVIEW THREATENS LEAD IN CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR RACE
For the past week, Porter has been dealing with the backlash from an interview with a local CBS News station. She grew frustrated with the reporter’s questions, telling the interviewer she didn’t want to have an “unhappy experience” before expressing her wish for the whole interview not to be filmed.
Despite her visible irritation, Porter’s campaign said she did not walk out of the interview.
The former House Democrat also drew backlash after she was seen yelling at a staffer who interrupted an on-camera meeting in 2021 with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
“Get out of my f***ing shot!” Porter said after the employee appeared in the background. “You also were in my shot before that. Stay out of my shot.” She revealed the staffer later received an apology.
Much of the criticism has originated from Porter’s gubernatorial opponents, who are looking to knock her down as she runs to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) in the 2026 election.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa began airing ads last week that captured the heated exchange between Porter and CBS Sacramento reporter Julie Watts. At the end of the message, Villaraigosa said, “I’m Antonio Villaraigosa. I approve this ad because we need leaders who will solve hard problems and will answer simple questions.”
Businessman Stephen Cloobeck also aired ads that feature clips of Porter’s interview with Watts.
“She snaps at reporters. I snap when the customers of California get shortchanged on what they bargained for,” Cloobeck wrote on social media. “That’s the difference in our priorities.”
KATIE PORTER’S OPPONENTS USE VIRAL VIDEOS TO QUESTION HER FITNESS TO LEAD CALIFORNIA
Meanwhile, Democrats have done little to defend the former congresswoman in the aftermath of the videos as they keep their distance from the gubernatorial candidate.
When asked by Nexstar whether there are more unflattering videos of her online, Porter declined to answer directly and acknowledged that she apologized to the berated staffer.
