Overview

• Newly circulated footage shows Porter disputing a CBS reporter’s premise about needing Trump voters and saying, “I’m going to call it” and “I don’t want this all on camera,” before appearing to end the interview.
• Porter’s campaign said the exchange was a heated moment within a longer sit‑down and that the interview continued for roughly 20 more minutes; reporter Julie Watts noted the viral clip was about three minutes of a 30‑minute segment.
• Rivals and commentators quickly criticized Porter’s performance, casting it as a test of temperament and media handling in a statewide race.
• EMILY’s List endorsed Porter earlier this week, a boost that could bring early funding and volunteer infrastructure, though the group has not specified how much it will spend.
• Porter holds a narrow lead in early polling with a large share of voters undecided, and California’s top‑two primary in June 2026 makes broad appeal and message discipline central to securing a general‑election spot.