Poll Reveals Katie Porter’s Controversies Hurt Her CA Governor Campaign
A recent poll has revealed that controversies surrounding Katie Porter are adversely impacting her campaign for Governor of California. The survey highlights her declining status as a frontrunner in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Katie Porter’s Controversies Impacting Her Campaign
The poll was commissioned by Antonio Villaraigosa, a fellow Democratic candidate. Conducted by Democratic pollster Ben Tulchin, it assessed the opinions of 919 likely primary voters for 2026. The margin of error for the survey is +/- 3.2%.
Key Findings from the Poll
- Seventy-two percent of respondents had seen or heard about Porter’s viral controversies.
- This same group indicated that such information would make them less likely to support her, with only 13% feeling more favorable.
- Fifteen percent of respondents were undecided regarding their support for Porter.
The poll results show Villaraigosa taking the lead among Democratic candidates, with 19% of participants saying they would vote for him. In contrast, Porter received 15% support. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco led with 20% of the vote, followed closely by Steve Hilton at 18%.
Head-to-Head Matchup Analysis
In a direct comparison between Villaraigosa and Porter, the figures reveal a significant gap. The polling indicates that 35% of those surveyed would support Villaraigosa, while only 19% would back Porter. This leaves 46% of respondents undecided.
According to Tulchin, the data aligns with previous polls, reaffirming that both Villaraigosa and Porter display the only significant double-digit support among Democrats in the primary race. He stated that Porter’s recent public controversies have heavily influenced her standing against Villaraigosa.
Emerging Candidates and Context
The survey also included mentions of Tom Steyer, a philanthropist and previous presidential candidate exploring a run for governor. It did not factor in Senator Alex Padilla or businessman Rick Caruso, both of whom are considering entering the race, aiming to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.
The results of this poll point to an evolving political landscape in California as candidates vie for attention and support in the run-up to the 2026 gubernatorial election.
