Porter, a former Popular senator, is supported by 11 of Golden State choosers, down from 17 in August, according to a UC Berkeley study released on Friday.
Democratic Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has now surpassed her with 13 percent of the vote, up three points from this summer. Republicans eager to regain the governor's office for the first time in decades may feel more auspicious as a result of the change.
“Californians are craving real leadership after eight years of [Governor Gavin] Newsom’s posturing and primping while so many are suffering,”
Bianco told The Independent when asked about the survey.
“A new way forward begins in November 2026 when I am elected Governor.”
Porter, one of almost a dozen candidates vying to succeed term-limited Gavin Newsom in 2026, had a difficult few weeks prior to the survey.
She stated that Watts was "unnecessarily argumentative" and nearly tore off her microphone while threatening to end the interview when she was probed on this issue.
“What do you say to the 40 percent of California voters, who you’ll need in order to win, who voted for [President Donald] Trump?”
journalist Julie Watts asked Porter.
“How would I need them in order to win, ma’am?”
Porter, who made a name for herself by grilling corporate executives during congressional hearings, responded.
“Get out of my f***ing shot!”
Porter can be heard shouting when the unnamed aid briefly appears on camera to offer a correction to a statement Porter made about electric vehicles.
In response, Porter told The Independent at the time,
“It’s no secret I hold myself and my staff to a high standard, and that was especially true as a member of Congress,”
adding,
“I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work.”
Bianco told FOX News that Porter's "entitlement" and "narcissism" were exposed in her CBS News interview. Additionally, Porter lacks the temperament necessary for high office, according to Betty Yee, a former California State controller.
Still, the race is still in its early stages, and numerous choosers are still undecided about the huge field of contenders, which is predicted to increase.
Ahead of the June primaries and November general election, 44 of repliers to the UC Berkeley check stated they're still doubtful.
Porter is still the front- runner among Egalitarians despite recent lapses, which is a pivotal advantage in a state that hasn't had a Democratic governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
What impact will this drop have on Democratic primary dynamics?
The decline opens the field for other Popular contenders to gain traction as choosers review their options, potentially leading to a more competitive and contested primary.
This decline could shift the crusade converse, with opponents using her difficulties to gain influence while Porter’s crusade works to rebuild trust and direct messaging on policy strengths. A further fractured primary could crop if no clear front- runner consolidates support, adding the significance of debates, grassroots rallying, and coalition-structure.
The drop also heightens the chance of a surprise upset if a rival can successfully appeal to moderate Egalitarians, independents, and disaffected sympathizers. Still, Porter’s core base around progressive issues and her record in Congress may still give a flexible foundation to remain influential in shaping the party’s platform and primary outgrowth.