Former Rep. Katie Porter participated in California’s gubernatorial primary election Tuesday before conceding the race statewide. Porter exited after trailing multiple Democratic and Republican candidates in recent polling.
Porter had previously entered the race as an early Democratic frontrunner. Her campaign later declined following viral videos showing confrontations with a staffer and a reporter.
Recent polling placed Porter behind Democrat Xavier Becerra, Democrat Tom Steyer, Republican Steve Hilton, and Republican Chad Bianco. Porter remained in the race despite polling in single digits before Tuesday night.
“The votes are being counted and it may take a few days here in California to have final numbers,” Porter stated Tuesday night. “But we know tonight that we will not advance to the general election in November.”
Porter thanked supporters while reflecting on the campaign after conceding the race. “I am so incredibly proud of the campaign that we built together,” Porter said in her statement.
Porter joined former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan in conceding Tuesday night. California’s top-two primary system advances the two leading candidates regardless of party affiliation.
California Primary Loss Sparks Debate Over Katie Porter’s Future
Online reactions intensified after Katie Porter conceded California’s gubernatorial primary Tuesday night. Porter finished with 4.6% of the vote as Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra led statewide returns.
Several commenters argued Porter remained in the race despite fading statewide support. “Porter should’ve bowed out earlier and endorsed either Becerra or Steyer instead.”
Others criticized the timing of Porter’s concession following the primary results. “2 weeks too late. What a terrible candidate.”
Some reactions focused on Porter’s long-term political standing after the defeat. “She should have remained in Congress where she could have had a long and impactful career.”
Another commenter argued Porter overestimated her statewide political influence before entering the race. “Her political career just wildly tanked.”
Not every reaction blamed Porter for the Democratic primary outcome. One commenter argued low turnout mattered more than Porter’s vote share. “If Steyer loses it’s not because of Katie Porter’s 4-6%, it’s because anywhere from two thirds to half of voters didn’t even bother.”
Another commenter rejected claims Porter intentionally weakened progressive candidates during the race. “But but but my billionaire isn’t winning and it’s this mean woman’s fault!!”
California’s top-two primary system advanced Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra into the November general election after Tuesday’s statewide vote. But judging by the reaction online, many voters remain focused on Porter’s political future and the decisions that shaped her unsuccessful bid.
