Katie Porter Joins California Gubernatorial Race for 2026

Katie Porter, 51, a former law professor and U.S. Representative, has entered the competitive field for California’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Porter, who represented Orange County for six years, aims to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. Known for her sharp questioning of Trump administration officials, Porter gained national recognition during her tenure.

Porter’s Commitment to Californians
In a video announcing her candidacy, Porter said, “I ran for office to hold Trump accountable. I feel that same responsibility now, to protect Californians from his harm.” This declaration underscores her continued dedication to serving Californians while confronting political challenges head-on.

Competitive Democratic Field
Porter faces strong competition within her own party, with contenders including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Controller Betty Yee, ex-state legislative leader Toni Atkins, and State Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond. The race is already crowded, and these prominent figures are expected to challenge Porter’s bid.

Riverside County Sheriff Entering as Republican Candidate
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has emerged as the most notable contender thus far. His entry will add further complexity to the contest, especially with the high-profile Democratic contenders vying for attention.

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Kamala Harris: The Potential Game-Changer
A major factor in the race is former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is reportedly considering a bid for governor. If Harris decides to run, Porter has pledged to withdraw, recognizing the strong impact Harris would have on the race. An Emerson College Polling survey indicated Harris would garner 57% support from California primary voters, far ahead of Porter’s 9%.

Poll Results and Porter’s Chances
According to the same poll, 45% of voters remain undecided, while Porter’s support climbs to 21% in a scenario without Harris. The shifting dynamics suggest Porter could attract a significant portion of undecided voters as the race evolves.

Porter’s Background and Prior Political Experience
Before her political career, Porter worked in consumer protection and bankruptcy law. She was appointed in 2012 by then-Attorney General Kamala Harris to oversee California’s part of the national mortgage settlement. Last year, Porter finished third in California’s nonpartisan U.S. Senate primary, highlighting her established political presence.

Newsom’s Exit and the 2026 Race
Governor Gavin Newsom, legally barred from seeking a third term, will not be a factor in the 2026 race. His potential 2028 presidential bid opens the door for a new generation of leadership, with Porter emerging as a strong contender to fill his shoes.