Katie Porter Claims California’s Senate Primary Race Was “Rigged” After Loss
In a surprising turn of events, progressive Democrat Katie Porter has claimed that California’s Senate primary race was “rigged” after losing the vote on Wednesday. Porter, who has represented Orange County since 2019, came in third in the non-partisan primary, losing out to centrist Democrat Adam Schiff. She has attributed her loss to the influence of billionaires who spent millions on attack adverts against her.
The Context
The Senate seat became available following the passing of Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in the U.S. Senate, in September 2023. Porter secured 14 percent of the state vote in the election, while Schiff received 33 percent. The Republican candidate, former professional baseball player Steve Garvey, obtained 32.6 percent of the vote. This race quickly became the most expensive in California’s history, with a staggering $65.3 million spent on advertisements, according to Politico.
Schiff’s campaign outspent the other candidates and raised more funds, with $35 million at his disposal at the start of 2024, compared to Porter’s $13.2 million.
Katie Porter’s Response
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Porter expressed gratitude to her supporters and acknowledged their efforts to challenge the status quo in Washington. She highlighted the significant financial disadvantage her campaign faced, stating, “withstanding 3 to 1 in TV spending and an onslaught of billionaires spending millions to rig this election.” Porter emphasized that Californians are seeking leaders who cannot be influenced by big money and who prioritize government accountability and economic reform.
Porter also criticized the role of special interest groups in politics, claiming they exert control over politicians to maintain their influence and prevent any disruption to the status quo. She vowed to continue fighting for her constituents, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are protected.
Addressing the Claim of Rigging
Porter clarified her use of the term “rigged,” explaining that she meant the election was manipulated by dishonest means. She pointed out that several billionaires spent over $10 million on attack ads against her, including one that was rated as “false” by an independent fact checker. Porter argued that such tactics are dishonest and manipulative, aimed at influencing the outcome of the election. She further emphasized that her intention was to call out the manipulation of American politics by big dark money, defending democracy by exposing these practices.
Reactions and Views
In response to Porter’s claims, former political pollster Adam Carlson expressed his skepticism, stating, “New York Democrats are the absolute worst, but California Democrats aren’t far behind.” This sentiment highlights the ongoing divisions within the Democratic party and the skepticism surrounding Porter’s allegations.
Looking Ahead
Considering California’s status as a Democratic stronghold, it is highly likely that Adam Schiff will secure the Senate seat in the November vote. Republicans have not won a statewide California seat since 2006, further solidifying the Democratic party’s dominance in the state’s political landscape.
In conclusion, Katie Porter’s claims of a rigged Senate primary race in California have sparked controversy and shed light on the influence of money in politics. While her loss may have been disappointing, Porter remains committed to fighting for her constituents and challenging the status quo in Washington. As the race continues towards the November vote, all eyes will be on Adam Schiff as he seeks to secure the Senate seat in this highly contested election.
