Foul-mouthed failed Calif. gov candidate Katie Porter said she was done with politics, then Gov. Newsom appointed her to a government board — with a surprising payday
Katie Porter has returned to public service after previously stating she was “done for now” with politics and campaigning.
The appointment was announced on September 18 and is pending Senate confirmation. If confirmed, Porter will receive $100 per day for official duties, according to Newsom’s office.
Porter said she was stepping away from politics
Porter announced her pause from politics in July, shortly after placing fifth in California’s gubernatorial primary.
“Hi, it’s Katie Porter with a nonpolitical post,” she said in an Instagram video. “I’m done for now with politics and campaigning.”
She rebranded her Instagram account as “Katie Porter Turns the Page” and said she planned to focus on books, including recommendations and author-related content.
This announcement came after her unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign and a prior loss in the 2024 U.S. Senate race.
Newsom has given Porter a new public role
California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed the 52-year-old former congresswoman to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
According to Newsom’s office, Porter is a professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. She served in Congress from 2019 to 2025, representing the 45th District for two terms before serving the 47th District.
The appointment notice cites Porter’s law degree from Harvard Law School and undergraduate degree from Yale University as qualifications.
Her political career ended after two statewide losses
Porter left the House to run for the Senate in 2024 but finished third in California’s all-party primary and did not advance to the general election.
She then launched a gubernatorial campaign. In the June primary, Porter received 403,908 votes and placed fifth, according to election results cited by the New York Post.
She stepped back from campaigning after this second statewide defeat.
Porter previously drew attention for confrontational style
Porter gained national recognition in Congress for her use of a whiteboard when questioning corporate executives and administration officials.
Her political career also drew scrutiny regarding her interactions with staff. During her gubernatorial campaign, leaked footage showed Porter telling a staffer who entered the camera frame to “get out of my f******* shot.”
Porter later apologized, stating she “could have been better” in that and other tense encounters.
She also said at the time, “I think I’m known as someone who’s able to handle tough questions, who’s willing to answer questions, and I want people to know that I really value the incredible work that my staff can do.”