Katie Porter Criticized After Records Show Campaign Contributions From Tom Steyer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — November 21, 2025 — Katie Porter faced scrutiny after Federal Election Commission records revealed she accepted more than $10,000 in campaign contributions from Tom Steyer, a billionaire she recently criticized following his entry into California’s gubernatorial race.

Porter publicly expressed frustration over Steyer’s decision to run for governor, referring to him as a “new billionaire” joining the contest. However, FEC filings show that Steyer donated to Porter’s campaign in previous election cycles, prompting questions about the consistency of her stance.

According to campaign finance data reviewed by authorities, Steyer’s contributions to Porter’s campaign exceeded $10,000, a significant sum in state-level races. This financial support contrasts with Porter’s recent comments highlighting concerns about wealthy individuals influencing politics.

Porter has built her political profile emphasizing accountability and reducing the influence of big money in elections. Her criticism of Steyer’s gubernatorial bid centered on the role of affluent candidates in shaping political outcomes, a point that now appears at odds with her acceptance of his donations.

The revelation has drawn attention from political observers and opponents, who argue that the discrepancy undermines Porter’s messaging on campaign finance reform and the impact of billionaire candidates.

Campaign finance experts note that contributions from wealthy donors are common in competitive races, but public figures who criticize such involvement while accepting funds from the same sources may face credibility challenges.

Steyer, a well-known environmental activist and philanthropist, has been active in California politics for years. His decision to run for governor adds another high-profile candidate to the race, intensifying scrutiny on campaign funding and political alliances.

Porter’s office has not issued a detailed response addressing the FEC records or the apparent contradiction between her statements and campaign contributions. Previous statements from her team emphasize her commitment to transparency and reform but do not directly address the Steyer donations.

The California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a competitive contest, with multiple candidates from diverse backgrounds vying for the position. Financial backing and endorsements are expected to play a crucial role as the campaign progresses.

As the race continues, questions about the influence of wealthy donors and the consistency of candidates’ positions on campaign finance are likely to remain central topics of discussion among voters and political analysts.

The FEC filings serve as a reminder of the complex relationships between candidates and donors, highlighting the challenges politicians face in balancing fundraising needs with public messaging on money in politics.