Trump Sends Democrat Candidate Into Hiding
California’s far-left Democrat Katie Porter — now running for governor — just had a major on-air meltdown after being asked one simple question: What would she say to the millions of Californians who voted for President Trump?
During a CBS News interview that quickly went viral, Porter snapped when reporter Julie Watts pressed her on how she planned to win support from the state’s 40% of voters who backed Trump in 2020.
“What do you say to the 40 percent of California voters who voted for President Trump — voters you’ll need in order to win?” Watts asked.
Porter immediately fired back with a defensive tone:
“How would I need them in order to win, ma’am?”
The tension escalated as Watts clarified that Porter would still have to appeal to some of those voters in a general election. Porter dismissed that notion, insisting she could win without them.
“If it’s me versus a Republican, I think I’ll win the people who did not vote for Trump,” she replied confidently.
When Watts asked what she would do if she ended up facing another Democrat — a realistic scenario under California’s “top-two” system — Porter cut her off and said, “I don’t intend that to be the case.”
She bragged about her name recognition, but her tone quickly turned combative. After a few more follow-up questions, Porter lost her patience completely.
“I don’t want to keep doing this. I’m gonna call it. Thank you,” Porter said, glaring off camera.
Watts responded, “You’re not going to do the interview with us?”
“Nope. Not like this I’m not. Not with seven follow-ups to every question,” Porter snapped, ending the interview abruptly.
Even after Watts explained that every candidate was asked the same question, Porter refused to continue, claiming she didn’t want “an unhappy experience” on camera.
Backlash from Her Own Party
The interview instantly lit up social media, drawing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra blasted Porter on X, writing that he’s “not interested in excluding any vote,” adding:
“Every Californian deserves affordable health care, safe streets, a roof over their head, and a living wage.”
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also piled on, saying:
“We need a leader who will solve hard problems and answer simple questions.”
For many observers, Porter’s refusal to speak to Trump voters reinforced her image as an out-of-touch liberal elitist — exactly the kind of politician many Californians are tired of seeing.
Where the Race Stands Now
According to a University of California, Berkeley poll, Porter currently leads a crowded Democrat field with 17% support.
Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco trails with 10%, while Becerra stands at 9%. Yet a staggering 38% of voters remain undecided — meaning Porter’s meltdown could cost her dearly with swing voters and independents.
Under California’s nonpartisan “top-two” system, only the two highest-polling candidates advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. That means Porter could easily face a Republican challenger like Bianco — if her campaign doesn’t implode first.
Even though the Cook Political Report rates the race as “Solid Democratic,” Porter’s arrogance toward millions of California conservatives may end up energizing Republican turnout and alienating moderates who simply want a governor willing to listen.
