With California's gubernatorial primary just a month away, former Rep. Katie Porter (D) is turning one of her most awkward campaign moments into a punchline.
In a new television ad released Monday, Porter directly addresses the 2021 incident where she was caught on video telling a staffer to "get out of my f***ing shot." The ad, first reported by Politico last October, shows Porter asking people holding whiteboards in the background—a visual nod to her trademark Congressional prop—to "please get out of my shot."
The ad is part of a broader effort by Porter to reframe the controversy as a moment of growth and authenticity. In an exclusive interview with Inside California Politics host Nikki Laurenzo, Porter said the ad is meant to show Californians "who I really am."
"I'm someone who's not like most politicians," Porter said. "I push a shopping cart and fill a minivan. You see that in the ad—but you also see somebody who's taken responsibility again and again in this race and is also able to laugh at herself and show that she's grown."
Porter, who represented California's 47th Congressional District before launching her gubernatorial bid, has faced criticism over the video, which showed her in a tense exchange with a staffer during a 2021 meeting. The incident became a flashpoint in the Democratic primary, with rivals questioning her temperament and leadership style. However, Porter has sought to turn the episode into a testament to her ability to own mistakes, a theme that resonates with voters weary of political spin.
"It is about showing people that I absolutely understand that what I did was not my best moment," Porter said. "People have asked me, 'Is this really you? Can you do better? Will you do better?' And this ad is about showing them, yes I can."
The ad's lighthearted tone contrasts with the more serious scrutiny Porter has faced over her management style. In a related development, former staffers have publicly defended Porter's leadership, pushing back on claims that she is difficult to work with. Meanwhile, the campaign has also been touched by broader controversies, including allegations involving Rep. Eric Swalwell and Porter's alleged role in a leak, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere of the race.
Porter's willingness to use self-deprecating humor is a calculated political move, especially as mail ballots begin arriving in voters' mailboxes this week. The ad aims to humanize a candidate often seen as a sharp-elbowed progressive, while also addressing a vulnerability that could be exploited by her opponents. By leaning into the moment rather than running from it, Porter is betting that voters will reward her candor over a more polished, defensive approach.
The ad also underscores a broader trend in California politics, where candidates increasingly use personal moments to connect with an electorate that has grown skeptical of traditional campaign messaging. Porter's team is hoping that the ad's viral potential—much like the original video—will cut through the noise of a crowded primary field.
As the primary approaches, Porter's strategy will be tested against rivals who have their own narratives to sell. But for now, the Democrat from Orange County is betting that a little laughter, and a lot of accountability, will go a long way.
