Katie Porter Launches California Gubernatorial Bid for 2026

Former Congresswoman Katie Porter has announced her candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race, emphasizing her commitment to holding Donald Trump accountable. In her announcement, Porter stated that her campaign will focus on protecting Californians from Trump's policies, which she claims harm disaster relief efforts and undermine working families. Internal polling from her campaign shows her leading among Democratic and independent voters, with a significant 28-point advantage over her nearest rivals. However, the potential entry of former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to decide by the end of summer, could alter the dynamics of the race, with polling indicating Harris would be favored by a majority of voters. Porter has indicated she would withdraw from the race if Harris chooses to run, reflecting the competitive nature of the Democratic field, which includes several notable candidates. This announcement follows her recent loss in the California Senate primary, where she finished third.