Overview
- Two videos drove the controversy this week: a tense CBS California exchange with reporter Julie Watts and a 2021 clip, reported by Politico, of Porter cursing at a staffer who entered her shot.
- Porter remains in the race and her campaign framed her as a fighter, while organized labor and Democratic groups including Teamsters California, EMILY's List and the California Labor Federation issued supportive statements.
- Critics piled on, with rival Democrat Betty Yee urging Porter to drop out and former Sen. Barbara Boxer calling her unfit, as Republican candidates such as Steve Hilton cast the episodes as evidence of Democratic arrogance.
- Aides noted the CBS interview continued for about 20 minutes after the testy moment, and Porter said she holds herself and staff to high standards and has worked to show more gratitude to her team.
- Early polls before the videos showed Porter narrowly leading a crowded field, and the uproar has renewed discussion that other Democrats, including Sen. Alex Padilla, are weighing a run.