Photo courtesy Katie Porter for US Senate campaign March 3, 2023.
Former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter is back on the campaign trail. Last Tuesday, Porter officially announced her candidacy for California governor in 2026. Porter joins a crowded field of candidates that include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, wealthy Southland entrepreneur Stephen Cloobeck, former State Controller Betty Yee, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and State Senator Toni Atkins.
Porter’s run for governor comes as no surprise. She has been a front-runner for the office since losing her bid for the US Senate seat of late Congresswoman Dianne Feinstein to Congressman Adam Schiff in 2024. Porter, a Democrat, gained prominence while serving three terms as a US Representative for a district in Orange County.
What California needs now is a little bit of hope and a whole lot of grit. That’s why I’m running for Governor. pic.twitter.com/x77lCP8dUY
— Katie Porter (@katieporteroc) March 11, 2025
How would @katieporteroc be different than @GavinNewsom as California Governor?
“I’m going to try and focus more intently on a couple of the biggest problems.”
She says the “cost of housing is our biggest challenge.”
More: https://t.co/A7TmyMVM4o pic.twitter.com/axrsEjP1Be
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) March 15, 2025
Porter’s major opponent for the governor’s job is still sitting on the sideline. If she jumps into the contest, Kamala Harris, former US Vice President and Presidential candidate, is considered the favorite to win the office. So far, Harris is keeping her options open which include making another run at the White House.
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom, who will be termed out in 2026, is also weighing his options. A new poll last month gave Newsom some high marks for job performance. Also, Newsom sparked interest and controversy with his new podcast. The move increases speculation Newsom is trying to widen his appeal for a possible run for president in 2028.
