Katie Porter is not here to play. The former congresswoman just threw her hat in the ring for California governor, making it crystal clear that she’s on a mission to defend abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant rights—while taking on “Big Oil, Big Banks, and Big Pharma” like a progressive warrior.
In a fiery campaign launch, Porter made one thing known: she’s not backing down against Trump and his MAGA mafia. “As governor, I won’t ever back down when Trump hurts Californians,” she declared in her campaign video, taking direct aim at the former president’s attacks on civil rights, disaster relief, and working families. Oh, and she threw in a few swipes at Elon Musk and other right-wing enablers for good measure.
Porter, who previously repped Orange County in Congress, isn’t new to the political battlefield. She ran for the U.S. Senate last year, finishing third, and got heat for calling the election “rigged by billionaires.” But now, with Governor Gavin Newsom wrapping up his final term in 2026, the door is wide open for a progressive powerhouse to take charge.
The competition is no joke—Porter is up against California’s Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and even whispers of Vice President Kamala Harris jumping into the race. But Porter’s bold stance on LGBTQ+ rights might set her apart. At a time when trans healthcare is under attack across the U.S. and right-wing extremists are trying to erase queer lives, having a governor who won’t play nice with hate groups could be a game-changer for California’s LGBTQ+ community.
California has long been a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, but with anti-trans rhetoric spreading nationwide, Porter’s vocal support for queer rights isn’t just refreshing—it’s necessary. Her commitment to fighting discrimination and shutting down conservative fear-mongering could make her a crucial ally for LGBTQ+ Californians looking for real political protection.
Will California embrace Porter’s no-nonsense, progressive energy? Or will the billionaire-backed establishment block her rise? Either way, this race is about to get very interesting.