Poll Reveals Katie Porter’s Controversies Hurt California Governor Campaign
Recent polling highlights significant challenges for Katie Porter in the race for California governor. Controversies surrounding her have seemingly weakened her standing as a frontrunner, according to findings from a new survey distributed by The Sacramento Bee.
Katie Porter’s Controversial Record
The Democratic candidate faced backlash after two incidents were captured on video. One incident involved her threatening to leave an interview with a CBS reporter in Sacramento. In another video, Porter used inappropriate language towards a staff member during a taped conversation with a Biden administration official.
Polling Details
The survey was conducted by Ben Tulchin, a Democratic pollster, and commissioned by Antonio Villaraigosa, another Democratic candidate in the governor race. It included responses from 919 likely voters for the 2026 primary.
- The margin of error for the poll was +/- 3.2%.
- Seventy-two percent of respondents were aware of Porter’s controversies.
- 72% indicated they were less likely to vote for her as a result.
- 13% said they were more inclined to support her, while 15% remained undecided.
Shift in Political Landscape
The polling data reveals a shift in support among Democratic candidates. Villaraigosa has gained ground, with 19% of respondents favoring him compared to 15% for Porter. Notably, Republican candidates also garnered substantial support.
- Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, received 20% of voter support.
- Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, had 18% backing.
The data indicates a potential scenario where two Democrats could advance to the general election, as the Republican vote is split. In a direct matchup between Villaraigosa and Porter, 35% supported Villaraigosa, while 19% favored Porter, leaving 46% undecided.
Implications for the Governor’s Race
This polling aligns with prior studies indicating that only Porter and Villaraigosa have garnered significant support among Democratic contenders. Tulchin commented on the impact of Porter’s controversies, suggesting they have contributed to Villaraigosa’s lead.
The poll did not include other potential candidates such as Senator Alex Padilla or businessman Rick Caruso, who are also considering a run for governor as Gavin Newsom approaches the end of his term.
