Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) retracted her statement accusing the California Senate primary, which she lost, of being rigged.
Rep. Katie Porter expresses regret for alleging that billionaires attempted to “rig” the California Senate primary after she didn't make it to the general election.
“I obviously wish I had chosen a different word,” stated Porter, D-Calif., during an episode of “Pod Save America” on Tuesday.
“At no time and in no way would I ever imply that there’s anything other than a careful, thoughtful, amazing election system that should actually serve as a model for many parts of the country, in my opinion,” she added.
Rep. Porter faced immediate criticism from Democrats for using Trump-like language in insinuating that an election unfavorable to her was rigged.
On one hand, it's understandable that Rep. Porter felt disappointed. Her progress to the general election against fellow Democrat Rep Adam Schiff seemed like a sure thing. However, the primary situation changed when MAGA Republican Steve Garvey entered the primary.
The Schiff campaign aired ads in support of Garvey, likely attracting some Republicans to the polls who might not have otherwise voted, but Porter should still have had the advantage. Instead of focusing on the economy, democracy, or the Dobbs decision in her closing argument to primary voters, Rep. Porter's campaign chose to emphasize climate change, a strategy that didn't produce the desired results.
Porter will not seek re-election for her House seat, but she may secure a role in a second Biden administration if the President is re-elected, or she could try to return to the House in two years.
Katie Porter is a capable public servant who used an unfortunate term in a moment of disappointment, but she is likely to serve the people again soon.
