Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter announced bid for California governor

Former Orange County congress member Katie Porter announced Tuesday that she will enter the race for California governor when Gavin Newsom is termed out in 2026.

“What California needs now is a little bit of hope and a whole lot of grit. That’s why I’m running for Governor,” Porter posted alongside a campaign video on X.

If elected governor, Porter promised to take on the “dangerous leaders” of the Trump administration, pointing to her time in Congress during the president’s first term.

Porter also said it was time for “new ideas” on issues like the economy, climate, food costs, housing and health care, and “fundamental rights” which she says are in jeopardy.

The former U.S. Representative is entering an already crowded race for governor, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, California Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former State Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, former State Controller Betty Yee and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

There have also been rumors that former Vice President Kamala Harris could seek the governor’s mansion.

“She still has a long career ahead of her,” said Democratic strategist Kate Maeder. “She’s young for politics in this country, and I think that folks are really excited to see what she does next, because she’s built such a powerful following around her, and I think that that will carry through after the election.”