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Former Rep. Katie Porter expresses remorse for her actions in damaging video

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, who has been criticized for recent videos showing her berating a reporter and cursing at an aide, spoke publicly on Tuesday for the first time since the incident emerged, expressing remorse for her actions.

Porter, the former Orange County congresswoman and a front-runner in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race, said she “could have handled it better.”

“I think I’m a person who can handle tough issues and be willing to answer questions,” Porter told FOX40 Sacramento anchor Nikki Laurenzo. “I want people to know that I really value the incredible job my staff does. I want people who know me to know that I’m strong. But I need to do a better job of appreciating the incredible work my team does.”

Last week, a video emerged of Porter telling another television reporter that she didn’t need the support of millions of Californians who voted for President Trump, and crudely threatening to end the interview as the reporter asked follow-up questions. The next day, a second video emerged of Porter telling a young staffer, “Get off my ass!” during a 2021 video conference with members of then-President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.

Porter said Tuesday she had apologized to the staff member. She repeatedly dodged Laurenzo’s questions about whether other videos would emerge.

“What I can tell you is … I take responsibility for this situation,” Porter said.

Porter’s behavior in the video highlights long-standing questions about her temper and high staff turnover during her time in Congress.

Recent polls show Porter holding a narrow lead in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is serving his second and final term as governor. After the videos emerged last week, several of Porter’s rivals criticized her actions, including former state Controller Betty Yee, who said she should drop out of the race.

On Tuesday, Yee argued that Porter’s character could jeopardize Democratic efforts to pass Proposition 50, a measure on the Nov. 4 ballot that seeks to redraw California’s congressional districts to increase Democrats’ number of seats in the House.

Yee, a former vice chair of the state Democratic Party, warned that Republicans could win the gubernatorial race while Democrats could lose their U.S. House seats because of Porter’s “conduct.”

“I don’t like provocation, this is not even a fight,” Yi said at a virtual news conference. “I’m doing what’s best for this party.”

Porter is also expected to discuss the issue at a virtual forum with the California Working Families Party on Tuesday night.

Porter issued a statement about the 2021 video ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, saying: “It’s no secret that I hold myself and my staff to high standards, especially as a member of Congress. I’ve been working hard to be more intentional about expressing gratitude for the important work of my staff.”

The UC Irvine law professor has not responded to multiple interview requests from The New York Times.

Mehta reported from Los Angeles Smith reported from Sacramento.

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