During a CNN gubernatorial debate on Tuesday, Democratic candidate Katie Porter confirmed her support for using taxpayer dollars to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants in California.
Her stance puts her at odds with several national party leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who have previously distanced themselves from such funding proposals.
When asked directly by the moderator if she supported statewide healthcare funding for undocumented residents, Porter didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, and that’s, by the way, what I think Californians deserve as answers to these questions,” Porter said. She framed the issue as a matter of public health and economic pragmatism, adding, “We can’t afford to have people sick who are making the rest of us sick.”
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California has already moved aggressively in this direction under Governor Gavin Newsom. The state recently became the first in the nation to extend Medi-Cal coverage to all income-eligible immigrants, regardless of legal status.
Newsom’s 2025-2026 fiscal year budget allocates approximately $10 billion toward these expanded services.
The policy remains a flashpoint for intense political friction. In October, Republican leaders and the White House pointed to a spike in Medicaid spending—which reportedly tripled during the previous administration—as a primary concern.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously noted that emergency care costs for illegal immigrants rose 142% in fiscal year 2024. Additionally, some Southern California medical professionals have reported “bombarded” facilities and increased wait times for American citizens.
Porter’s debate performance comes as she struggles to gain traction in a crowded field. Recent polling data highlights a steep climb for the former Congresswoman.
An Evitarius survey released Monday shows former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Fox News host Steve Hilton tied for the lead at 18% each, while Porter sits at 8%. A late-April YouGov poll mirrored these results, placing Porter 9% behind Hilton at 16%.
Beyond policy, Porter has faced a string of recent controversies regarding her temperament. In October, she was filmed walking out of an interview after being asked about her strategy for reaching voters who supported Donald Trump.
Older footage from 2021 also resurfaced, showing her shouting at a staffer during a filming session. Furthermore, the candidate has faced public scrutiny over past allegations involving a domestic dispute where she reportedly poured hot potatoes on her now-ex-husband’s head.
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