Former California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter once said she planned to step away from politics. Instead, the Democrat has emerged as a prominent critic of the state’s proposed one-time tax on billionaires.
In a recent opinion piece, the former congresswoman took aim at Proposition 40, a measure that would impose a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of every billionaire living in California. Supporters argue the revenue could help offset reductions in health care funding.
Porter sharply condemned the proposal, describing the measure as “ass backwards” ahead of its November appearance on the ballot.
“Proposition 40 is a prime example of a seemingly progressive-sounding policy solution that ultimately just perpetuates the status quo,” Porter wrote.
She argued that the initiative would not overhaul California’s health care system and claimed it could direct billions of dollars in tax revenue to private insurers and corporations that already dominate the industry.
According to Porter, the proposal amounts to a temporary “band-aid” that would do little to address soaring health care costs driven by inflation. She also said the measure offers no guarantee that the money would directly benefit patients.
Porter pointed to opposition from several major health organizations, including the California Medical Association, the California Primary Care Association and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.
She also repeated opponents’ warnings that the tax could damage California’s finances if wealthy residents left the state, potentially weakening the broader economy.
“Trading recurring general fund revenue, which reliably pays for schools, public safety and healthcare year after year, for a one-time cash infusion is a bad deal for California’s future,” Porter said.
The Post contacted the Yes on Prop 40 campaign for a response to Porter’s criticism.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Pledges Support for Jewish New Yorkers
Porter had made limited public comments about her opposition to Proposition 40 before September, although her earlier objections focused on somewhat different concerns. During a debate in the gubernatorial primary, she called the initiative “simply not good tax policy.”
At the time, Porter argued that a one-time tax would not meet California’s continuing need for revenue. She said the measure should be expanded to include “half billionaires” and warned that directing too much of the money toward health care could leave other state priorities without adequate funding.
Even while opposing Proposition 40, Porter has continued to insist that “billionaires should pay their fair share.”
Her heightened criticism comes shortly after Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed the Orange County progressive to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. The appointment still requires confirmation by the state Senate and would pay Porter $100 for each day she performs official duties.
Newsom has been among the highest-profile Democratic opponents of Proposition 40. He reportedly worked privately to persuade left-leaning groups, including Planned Parenthood, to oppose the billionaire tax, which already faces resistance from most conservatives.
Porter placed fifth in California’s crowded top-two gubernatorial primary in June, earning 403,908 votes, or 4.4% of the total, according to state election returns. The result followed her third-place finish in the 2024 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, a race ultimately won by Adam Schiff.
Questions about Porter’s temperament have also followed her uneven political career.
In divorce filings from 2013, Porter’s former husband accused her of pouring a bowl of hot mashed potatoes over his head during an argument, allegedly burning his scalp. Porter challenged his broader portrayal of their troubled marriage and made accusations of her own in court documents.
Her conduct also drew attention during the gubernatorial campaign when leaked footage from a recorded interview showed Porter shouting at a staff member who stepped into the camera’s view, telling the aide to “get out of my f—ing shot.”
Porter later apologized for yelling at the employee, acknowledging that she “could have been better” in that incident and in other tense interactions.
