Former California Congresswoman Katie Porter’s campaign for governor faces fresh scrutiny after her ex-husband publicly called her a “master manipulator” and questioned her suitability for the state’s top job.
Matthew Hoffman, who divorced Porter in 2013 and shares three children with her, told the media that her leadership temperament—marked he says by harsh treatment of staff and journalists—renders her ill-prepared for the governorship. He pointed to a viral 2021 Zoom incident in which Porter can be seen angrily directing a staff member to “get out of my f— shot,” and also cited her unsuccessful 2025 Senate run, asserting the outcome reflected her failure to build consensus—not a rigged election.
Hoffman’s remarks arrive amid a broader wave of internal Democratic critique of Porter’s leadership style, although she remains a nominating favorite for an upcoming primary. Porter’s campaign responded by affirming her co-parenting relationship with Hoffman and declining further comment on his personal assessments.
With the election looming, the tension between personal history and public aspiration is now becoming part of the narrative surrounding Porter’s bid—raising questions for voters about temperament, credibility and the qualities they expect in executive office.