Will Democratic resistance to Trump be spearheaded by Katie Porter, who is considering a gubernatorial run? That is, unless you run as a candidate for pragmatic consensus who is willing to work across party lines to discover answers.
It seems like the answer is… both, based on her campaign launch.
In only three minutes and eleven seconds, the former Orange County lawmaker managed to cram a little bit of everything into his introduction video. For her party’s base, there was a lot of Trump-bashing (and a swipe at Elon Musk, the latest Democratic villain).
Although she rose to prominence as an activist against corporate power, Porter also spoke on themes of cooperation and accommodation, which could surprise many who are familiar with her critiques on whiteboards. She pledged an openness to excellent ideas “regardless of their source” and spoke about “collaborating with businesses and safeguarding workers.”
Porter spoke with Playbook over the phone to set out her campaign’s perspective of the case shortly after her launch became official.
For the sake of clarity and brevity, this interview was modified.
I was quite aback by the amount of time you spent discussing President Trump in your launch video, considering how little time you spent discussing him during your Senate campaign. Regarding your platform for this election, how does the present president figure?
Whether I’m in the grocery store or teaching at the University of California, I never fail to hear people expressing concern about the actions of Trump and how they could influence their lives. There is, in my opinion, a legitimate and tangible dread. He has made it plain that he intends to seek medical treatment and Social Security benefits. Goods, including food and other daily essentials, will see price increases as a result of his policies. Therefore, I believe the public is yearning for a candidate who is familiar with Trump’s views and has shown they can effectively implement them.
You are aware that I made my first run for public office following Trump’s election, namely for Congress. In addition, I confronted his advisors in Congress with pointed questions, and we were able to get many outcomes, such as universal access to free COVID-19 testing. We must have someone who can confront Trump’s bullying and demand that he be held responsible. Whenever the chance presents itself, I will take use of Trump’s alliance to accomplish what California needs. If what you heard in the video is true, though, I will not hesitate to confront him.
Democratic lawmakers in California came under fire during Trump’s first term for allegedly ignoring housing and affordability crises in favor of fighting the obstruction. Is that critique valid in your opinion? Can we fight Trump while still fixing California’s problems?
Sure thing, because Trump is actively working to make things worse for Californians. As an example, consider his threats against disaster aid. He has chosen to withhold aid rather than assist us in preparing for wildfires. His tariff policies are exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis that we are already experiencing in California; I know this from personal experience as both a parent and a consumer.
Housing and homelessness prevention are two areas that we have begun to address, and I believe it is critical that we continue to do so. We must expedite those places, but we must also prepare to block and tackle when he targets California; I am well capable of doing both. In my opinion, that is exactly what we need right now.
I was attempting to deduce from your video which ideological camp you are attempting to maintain in this contest.
Everyone in Orange County has been trying to figure it out since I started winning so frequently.
Is it your belief that others understand you? Your progressive views are widely held. Is it the ideological framework into which you fall?
A healthy economy is essential for families, and I fight tirelessly to ensure that they have access to it. I have witnessed it myself. Who would suffer the most if Trump’s careless economic policies send the US economy plunging into a tailspin? Who sustains the worst wounds and takes the longest to heal? People who work hard every day for us. Consequently, the line where I state that improving the lives of Californians has always been my sole motivation is my favorite and the one I wish more Californians would see in the film. Also, we need to solve the problems with the expense of living if we want to do that. Housing and health care are the most basic necessities for families, therefore we must ensure that the California economy generates enough high-paying employment while simultaneously reducing their prices.
Two years have passed since your last statewide campaign. Younger voters, independents, and those disillusioned with government weren’t present in the primary the previous time around, even though they appeared to be the voters you were attempting to inspire. If you want to be in the top two in the general election, what will you do this time to get those people to the polls?
The people of California are looking for a leader that is strong and a fighter right now. My dedication to learning and growing, to trying new things, and to reaching out to those who are skeptical of the Democratic Party and its current trajectory is central to my campaign for governor.
Much of the press around your campaign has focused on one major condition: that you will withdraw from the race in the event that former Vice President Kamala Harris becomes involved. It has always been your impression that you aren’t subservient to the Democratic establishment. Does stating that you will resign if Harris runs reflect poorly on your brand?
I am not going to waste time, therefore I will launch today. The families of California are being seriously hurt by Trump. Our next move, our reaction to it, needs to be carefully considered. You are aware that I am a strong advocate for Kamala Harris. She employed me. She paved the way for me to begin my career in public service in California, where I assisted families during the foreclosure crisis. I appreciate the chance you gave me. As I mentioned before, I believe her decision to run would significantly clear the field. However, I will not wait at this moment. That type of new enthusiasm is really needed, in my opinion.
What are your thoughts on Governor Gavin Newsom’s current handling of Trump? While he has maintained a critical tone in the past, he has recently toned it down in an effort to secure additional funding from the federal government to assist with wildfire recovery. In your opinion, is he finding the sweet spot?
When Trump was elected, California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, immediately began consulting with state lawmakers, mayors, and other influential figures to consider the impact on California’s health care system and other vital services. Regarding the flames, I believe it is critical to demonstrate to the president what happened in California personally. Unfortunately, California’s concerns and difficulties do not always receive the attention they deserve because of how far away we are from Washington. Therefore, I believe it was fitting that the governor urged the president to be present and gave him a firsthand account of what he had witnessed while on the ground in Los Angeles.