California’s gubernatorial race is heating up, with former Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine) not shying away from a direct challenge from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
While Harris has yet to make a decision on entering the race, Porter told Politico that she will stay in the race regardless.
Driving the news: Porter has previously shied away from confronting Harris directly in the race, previously telling Politico that Harris “would have a powerful field-clearing effect” if she enters.
- Harris will reportedly make a decision on the race by the end of the summer, leaving candidates in flux since polling up to this point puts Harris in a significant lead.
- Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is reportedly considering switching to the Treasurer race if Harris enters, while other top Democratic candidates, such as former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, plan to stay and battle it out against Harris if the former Vice President runs.
The big picture: Porter is telling her supporters that she is committed to staying in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom even if Harris enters.
- Politico reported that Porter has only recently stated her commitment to the race, making it clear that a potential Harris run would not impact her.
What she’s saying: “I’m running for Governor because I believe I’m the person best able to address the challenges we face, to stand up to Donald Trump, and to lead our state in a way that improves the lives of hard working Californians, and that’s not going to change no matter who enters this race,” Porter told Politico.
