Former Democratic U.S. House member Katie Porter has declared her candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race, stepping into a competitive field that could see further disruption if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run.

Porter, known for her distinctive use of a whiteboard during congressional hearings to challenge CEOs, launched her campaign with a video where she vowed to actively oppose the policies of President Donald Trump. She emphasized her commitment to defending Californians against any adverse actions by Trump, including issues related to disaster relief, rights infringements, and economic policies favoring the wealthy.

“In Congress, I held the Trump administration’s feet to the fire when they hurt Americans. As governor, I won’t ever back down when Trump hurts Californians — whether he’s holding up disaster relief, attacking our rights or our communities, or screwing over working families to benefit himself and his cronies,” Porter stated in her campaign announcement.

The race to succeed the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom is already crowded with several prominent Democrats, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. The potential entry of Kamala Harris, who has a longstanding relationship with Porter and previously appointed her as California’s independent bank monitor, could significantly influence the dynamics of the race.

1776 Coalition Sponsored A Winning Strategy? The Dems think the 7 words you can’t say on TV will help them win next month’s special elections for Congress. They don’t have plans to help the average American, but they will do anything to dupe Americans into granting them power once again. Please help New Journey ensure the GOP maintains the majority and expose the left’s new con!

Political analyst Jack Pitney from Claremont McKenna College noted that Harris would be a formidable candidate if she enters the race, likely securing the Democratic nomination and potentially the governorship, given the party’s strong presence in California.

On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has also thrown his hat into the ring, criticizing the Democratic leadership for the state’s economic issues. “Porter is cut from the same cloth of the failed career politicians who created California’s cost-of-living crisis,” Bianco commented.

The unique open primary system in California, where all candidates compete on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, adds an element of unpredictability to the race. This system allows for potential surprises, such as a strong showing by Trump-aligned candidates or a well-funded independent making a significant impact.

Despite some national Democrats advocating for a more measured approach to Trump, Porter has made it clear she is prepared to confront him directly. “It’s no secret, Democrats are down right now. The vibes suck,” she wrote in an email to supporters, expressing a need for assertive leadership within the party.

Porter, who has returned to teaching at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law after an unsuccessful Senate bid, remains a prominent figure in progressive circles. She continues to be recognized for her rigorous approach to corporate accountability in Congress and her ability to articulate complex issues in a straightforward manner.

First elected in 2018, Porter’s political journey is marked by her commitment to holding powerful figures accountable, a theme she promises to continue in her run for governor to protect Californians from what she views as harmful policies by the Trump administration.