Support for former Congresswoman Katie Porter's 2026 California gubernatorial campaign has suffered a significant decline following her controversial television interview that spread rapidly across social media platforms.
Poll Reveals Dramatic Support Drop
According to fresh polling data from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, Porter's backing has fallen from 17 percent in August to just 11 percent currently. The survey was conducted between October 20 and 27, immediately following her tense exchange with CBS California reporter Julia Watts.
The poll indicates Porter's public image has turned negative among voters, with 33 percent now viewing her unfavourably compared to 26 percent who maintain a positive opinion. This represents a substantial reversal for the Democratic candidate who previously led the field.
Contentious Interview Sparks Backlash
The dramatic shift in voter sentiment follows Porter's widely-circulated interview where she became increasingly frustrated with questioning about her appeal to Trump voters. During the exchange, the former congresswoman challenged the reporter's premise that she would need support from Trump voters to secure victory.
"How would I need them in order to win, ma'am?" Porter responded with visible irritation when asked about appealing to California's Trump supporters.
As the interview progressed, Porter grew more agitated, describing the line of questioning as "unnecessarily argumentative" before ultimately attempting to terminate the discussion. "I don't want to keep doing this, I want to call it. Thank you," she declared, suggesting she would walk out.
When the reporter noted that every other candidate had undergone similar questioning, Porter retorted: "I'm me. I'm running for governor because I'm a leader."
Resurfaced Incident Compounds Problems
Compounding Porter's difficulties, a 2021 video emerged showing the former congresswoman sharply reprimanding a staff member during a virtual meeting with Biden administration officials. In the unedited footage, Porter can be heard yelling "Get out of my f***ing shot" when an aide entered her camera view.
The recording also captured Porter complaining about not being invited to the White House despite raising what she described as a "s**t ton" of money for President Biden's campaign. Porter later acknowledged her conduct toward the staff member was "inappropriate" and admitted she could have handled the situation more effectively.
Election Landscape Transformed
The polling data reveals a transformed political landscape, with Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco now leading the field with 13 percent support. However, the race remains highly uncertain with 44 percent of voters still undecided about their preference.
Despite the significant drop in support, Porter maintains her position as the leading Democratic contender. Nevertheless, the poll suggests her campaign faces substantial challenges in rebuilding momentum following the dual controversies of her viral interview and the resurfaced staff incident.
The developments highlight the increasing scrutiny facing candidates in the digital age, where moments of frustration or controversial behaviour can rapidly circulate online and dramatically impact voter perceptions.
