Katie Porter Bio, Age, Husband, Education, Religion, Net Worth
Katie Porter Biography
Who is Katie Porter?
Katherine “Katie” Porter (born January 3, 1974) is an American lawyer, educator, and Democratic politician. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for California from 2019 to 2025.
Porter grew up in rural Iowa. Her father worked in farming and banking, while her mother co-founded a quilting business. She earned a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Early in her career, Porter clerked for a federal appeals court judge. She later taught bankruptcy law and focused on consumer protection. She joined the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where she resumed teaching in 2025 after leaving Congress.
In Congress, she became famous for her tough questioning of CEOs using a whiteboard to expose financial issues. She served on committees related to Oversight, Natural Resources, and Economic Policy.
Porter ran for the U.S. Senate in 2024 but lost to Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey. In March 2025, she announced her campaign for California Governor in the 2026 election.
She advocates for progressive priorities such as affordable housing, healthcare reform, civil rights, and corporate accountability. She is a mother of three and continues to champion working families and consumer rights.
Katie Porter Age
How old Katie Porter?
Katie Porter was born on January 3, 1974, making her 51 years old as of October 2025. She will turn 52 years old in January 2026.
Katie Porter’s Ex-Husband: Matthew Hoffman
Katie Porter was married to Matthew Hoffman, a fellow law professor, in 2003. They have three children together. In 2013, they filed for divorce amid allegations of domestic disputes. Both parties sought restraining orders against each other during this period. Porter was granted a temporary restraining order against Hoffman following an April 2013 altercation. Hoffman later expressed regret over the allegations in a court-ordered child custody evaluation. After the divorce, Hoffman resided outside California, while Porter remained the primary caregiver for their children. In 2024, Porter obtained a temporary restraining order against a subsequent ex-boyfriend, Julian Willis, due to abusive and threatening behavior.
These personal challenges have not deterred Porter from her political aspirations. In March 2025, she announced her candidacy for California governor in the 2026 election. Porter continues to advocate for progressive policies, emphasizing affordable housing, healthcare reform, and corporate accountability.
Katie Porter’s Education
Katie Porter has a strong educational background that shaped her career in law and politics. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Yale University in 1996. During college, she interned for Senator Chuck Grassley and researched corporate farming’s impact on rural communities. Later, Porter attended Harvard Law School, graduating magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor in 2001. She served as notes editor for the Harvard Women’s Law Journal and was a member of the Board of Student Advisers. Porter studied under Elizabeth Warren, influencing her focus on consumer protection and bankruptcy law. Her education laid the foundation for her career as a law professor and progressive political leader.
Katie Porter Children | Daughter
Betsy Hoffman is the youngest child of former U.S. Representative Katie Porter and her ex-husband, Matthew Hoffman. Born in 2011, Betsy is currently 14 years old. She has two older brothers, Luke and Paul.
Betsy is actively involved in water polo, participating in events like the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics. Her mother, Katie Porter, often attends her games, balancing her political career with family commitments. Despite the challenges of single motherhood, Porter strives to be present at her children’s activities.
In 2024, during a Senate campaign event, Betsy introduced her mother to supporters, showcasing their close bond. Katie Porter has emphasized the importance of family in her life, often sharing moments with her children to highlight her values and priorities.
Katie Porter’s Senate Campaign: A Progressive Bid for California
Can Katie Porter still run for the house?
Katie Porter, a former U.S. Representative from California, announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2024, aiming to succeed the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. Porter, known for her aggressive questioning of corporate executives, positioned herself as a progressive alternative. She emphasized issues such as affordable housing, consumer protection, and climate change.
Despite raising over $1 million in the first 24 hours, Porter did not advance past the primary election. She finished third, trailing Democrat Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey.
Following her Senate bid, Porter announced her candidacy for California governor in 2026, continuing her commitment to progressive policies and public service.
Katie Porter Faces Backlash After Threatening to Walk Out of CBS Interview
Katie Porter is facing backlash after threatening to walk out of a CBS Sacramento interview. The tension escalated when reporter Julie Watts asked how Porter would appeal to the 40% of voters who supported Donald Trump. Porter dismissed the question, asserting she didn’t need their support to win. Critics argue her reaction highlights concerns about her temperament and media strategy. The incident has intensified scrutiny as Porter seeks to consolidate support in a competitive primary race.
Katie Porter’s Religion
Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative for California, identifies as an Episcopalian. This affiliation places her within the Protestant tradition. She has been recognized as one of the Episcopalian members of the 118th Congress.
Porter has actively engaged with various faith communities. She has participated in events hosted by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California. Additionally, she has spoken at the University Synagogue in Irvine, California, discussing issues pertinent to the community.
Her involvement with different religious groups underscores her commitment to interfaith dialogue and understanding. While she identifies as Episcopalian, her outreach reflects a broader dedication to engaging with diverse faith communities.
Katie Porter Approval Rating
As of August 2025, Katie Porter is a leading candidate in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race. A Politico poll indicates she holds 21% support among Democratic voters, surpassing rivals like Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra. Her backing has notably increased among former Kamala Harris supporters, with 30% now favoring Porter. This surge is attributed to her progressive platform and strong fundraising efforts.
However, in a head-to-head matchup, Steve Hilton, a Republican commentator, leads Porter by six percentage points. This suggests that while Porter is a prominent Democratic contender, she faces significant challenges in a general election scenario.
These figures highlight Porter’s strong position within the Democratic primary but also underscore the competitive nature of the upcoming election.
Katie Porter’s Stance on Ukraine
Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative for California, has consistently supported Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. She has advocated for robust U.S. assistance to bolster Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Porter has also criticized political maneuvers that link immigration reform to aid to Ukraine, viewing such bundling as partisan leveraging rather than genuine bipartisanship. Her positions reflect a commitment to democratic values and international solidarity. Porter’s approach emphasizes strategic support for Ukraine without compromising on domestic policy priorities.
Katie Porter vs. JPMorgan: Exposing Wage Inequality
In 2019, Katie Porter, then a U.S. Representative from California, confronted JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon during a House Financial Services Committee hearing. She presented a single mother working as a bank teller earning $16.50 per hour, highlighting her monthly expenses and a $567 shortfall. Porter questioned Dimon on how the employee could manage financially, exposing the gap between executive compensation and frontline worker wages.
This exchange emphasized income inequality and the need for fair wages. Porter’s approach became a symbol of corporate accountability and economic justice advocacy.
Katie Porter’s Whiteboard: A Tool for Transparency and Accountability
Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative from California, gained fame for using a whiteboard during congressional hearings. She illustrated the financial struggles of a single mother working as a bank teller, highlighting a $567 shortfall despite full-time employment. Porter also used the whiteboard to question pharmaceutical CEOs, emphasizing price hikes and executive bonuses. This visual tool became a symbol of her data-driven, direct approach. It reinforced her reputation as a consumer advocate and highlighted income inequality and corporate accountability.
Katie Porter Net Worth
Katie Porter has an estimated net worth between $175,000 and $2.1 million. Her income includes congressional salary, book royalties, speaking fees, and investments. She owns a home in Irvine, reflecting a modest lifestyle and financial transparency.
