Katie Porter Ad References Viral Staff Yelling Video, Draws Criticism

California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter released a new campaign advertisement this week that references a past viral video in which she yelled at a staff member, prompting widespread online criticism.

The 30-second ad, published around May 5, depicts Porter engaging in everyday activities such as grocery shopping, filling her car with gas, and mentioning her grown child potentially staying on her couch. Supporters in the background hold signs reading "Dump Trump," "No Kings," "Call Out Racism," and "Abolish ICE." At the end, Porter turns to the group with a smile and says, "Now, could you guys please get out of my shot?" The line nods to a 2021 video that surfaced publicly in October 2025, showing Porter during a video call with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. In the footage, a staffer entered the frame to correct a statement on electric vehicles, prompting Porter to shout, "Get out of my f***ing shot! You also were in my shot before that. Stay out of my shot."

The ad has drawn sharp rebukes on social media from commentators across the political spectrum. Democratic strategist Keith Edwards called it "so bad," questioning whether Porter views verbal...