California Gubernatorial Hopeful Draws Sharp Criticism After Urging Crowd To Chant Expletive At Democratic Convention

Monday, February 21, 2026, 5:30 P.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- A California gubernatorial candidate sparked widespread backlash over the weekend after holding up a sign bearing an explicit anti-Trump message and encouraging supporters to chant the profanity during a major party gathering.

     Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter addressed delegates and activists at the California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco on Saturday, February 21, 2026, where she delivered remarks sharply critical of former President Donald Trump.

     During her speech, Porter prominently displayed a whiteboard reading “F*** Trump,” repeatedly shouting the phrase into the microphone and urging the crowd to chant it back. Convention attendees complied, echoing the profanity in unison as Porter stood smiling onstage.

     “Together, we’re going to kick Trump’s a** in November,” Porter told the audience. “I’ll stand up to Trump and his cronies just like I did in Congress.”

     The incident quickly circulated across social media, drawing condemnation from conservatives and moderates alike, many of whom described the display as unbecoming of a gubernatorial contender and emblematic of the deepening political coarseness.

Race To Replace Newsom;

     Porter is among several candidates seeking to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, whose tenure ends this year. The crowded field has intensified scrutiny of each candidate’s temperament, record, and ability to govern a state facing persistent challenges, including homelessness, crime, high taxes, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

     While Porter has built a national profile as a progressive firebrand during her time in Congress, critics argue that her rally behavior underscores an approach rooted more in provocation than policy leadership.

Pattern Of Controversy;

     Saturday’s incident is not the first controversy to follow Porter during her gubernatorial bid. She has previously faced public criticism over reports and recordings involving hostile workplace behavior, including a video that appeared to show her shouting at staff members. Porter has defended her management style as demanding but effective, though the footage has fueled criticism of her temperament and leadership.

     Conservatives and political opponents were quick to seize on the profanity-laden rally moment. One critic described the display as proof that Porter “has nothing to offer Californians but division and hate,” while another paraphrased former Democratic Congressman Harley Rouda, calling Porter “a bully with a whiteboard” and urging voters to support “anyone but Katie Porter.”

Policy Proposals Amid The Uproar;

     Beyond the rhetoric, Porter used the remainder of her speech to promote progressive policy initiatives, including making tuition free at University of California and California State University campuses, implementing a single-payer health-care system, and eliminating state income tax for Californians earning under $100,000 annually.

     “I’m running for governor because I’m willing and ready to get s*** done,” Porter declared, again punctuating her remarks with profanity.

     Critics argue that while these proposals appeal to the Democratic base, Porter offered few concrete details on funding mechanisms or implementation strategies, particularly in a state already grappling with budgetary pressures.

Commentary | By Jennifer Hodges;

     As a former Democrat and as a woman,  I find Katie Porter’s conduct not merely offensive but deeply troubling. Political disagreement does not require vulgarity, and leadership does not demand degradation. What Porter displayed on that stage was not strength, courage, or conviction; it was contempt.

     I believe Katie Porter is not only acting in a disgusting and vile manner, but revealing something far more concerning: a willingness to tear down civic standards in pursuit of applause. That, in my view, makes her not just an objectionable candidate, but a deeply unfit one.

     California deserves leadership grounded in seriousness, restraint, and respect, not obscenity masquerading as authenticity.

Editor’s Note:

This article was written by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, and contains direct quotations that include profanity. These statements are reported verbatim due to their relevance to the public controversy and to accurately reflect the conduct and rhetoric of a declared gubernatorial candidate. The commentary in this article is based on the author’s views; Englebrook Independent News does not endorse or promote offensive language and includes such content strictly for factual and journalistic purposes.