Katie Porter says shes done with politics after failed governor bid as she teases next chapter

Katie Porter is turning the page on politics after a bruising California governor campaign that ended in defeat and revived years of criticism over her treatment of staff.The former California congresswoman announced Wednesday that she’s stepping away from public life, telling followers on Instagram: “I’m done for now with politics and campaigning.”Porter, who failed to advance out of California’s recent gubernatorial primary, also revealed she’s rebranding her Instagram account as @katieporterturnsthepage, a nod to her love of books.The self-described “fast reader” said the account will now focus on reading instead of politics.The announcement caps a turbulent final chapter for the Democrat, whose gubernatorial campaign was increasingly overshadowed by renewed scrutiny of her temperament and management style.Porter finished fifth in California’s crowded top-two primary, receiving 403,908 votes, or 4.4% of the vote, according to unofficial California Secretary of State returns.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story Under California’s primary system, only the top two finishers advance to the general election, leaving Porter out of the November race despite appearing on a ballot that included 61 candidates.As her campaign struggled, an unedited 2021 video resurfaced in late 2025 showing Porter berating a staffer who accidentally walked into the background during a virtual meeting with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.“Get out of my f-ing shot!” Porter shouted.The video quickly went viral and reignited longstanding questions about her treatment of aides.Porter later publicly and privately apologized for the outburst, addressing it at a Sacramento public forum and again during a televised gubernatorial debate.California Post News:...