Which Orange County Areas are Donating the Most Money to Rep. Katie Porter’s Senate Campaign?

Search by ZIP code to find out who your neighborhood is donating the most to so far this cycle

Rep. Katie Porter is leading in early funding in almost all of the cities in her home county of Orange heading into the 2024 U.S. Senate election, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

While Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, has posted the most substantial overall fundraising numbers so far this cycle, the Irvine Democrat is making a solid showing on her home turf of Orange County. So far, Porter has raised a little over $323,000 in itemized donations from Orange County, which makes up nearly 20% of itemized donations from California and over 11% of total itemized donations.

But how does she stack up against her fellow Senate contenders and congressional colleagues, Schiff and Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland in Orange County? To find out, the Southern California News Group compiled campaign finance data for itemized contributions — donations that exceed $200 or aggregate over $200 when added to other contributions received from the same person during the election cycle and are required to be reported — for the three candidates who have been in the race for both quarters of the year.

The largest share of Porter’s haul so far has come from Irvine, where she lives. She’s received $71,934 from more than 60 unique donors, the most coming from the 92617 ZIP code. Laguna Beach is a close second, with $31,914 coming from more than 20 people.https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lX4M3/2/

Porter represents the 47th congressional district, a coastal district anchored in Irvine that includes Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and part of Huntington Beach.

According to a July survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, she is leading the pack among likely voters: 19% of likely voters said they would vote for Porter while 16% said they would choose Schiff and 13% said Lee. 

Porter has received contributions from all but five Orange County cities: Cypress, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia and Stanton — cities in the northwestern corner of Orange County, most of which border neighboring Los Angeles County.

Schiff, who represents part of Los Angeles County, received $2,250 in donations from Cypress, La Habra and Placentia combined. He also outraised Porter in four additional cities: Costa Mesa, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach and Yorba Linda.

In Orange County overall, Schiff raised $165,968 in itemized donations.

Lee, D-Oakland, has raised $28,929 in Orange County, far behind Porter’s and Schiff’s hauls.

Still, it remains to be seen whether Lee’s fundraising efforts will catch up to those of her two Democratic rivals in Orange County. Last month, Lee stepped onto Porter’s turf when she spoke to a friendly crowd at the Laguna Woods Democratic Club’s July meeting. It won’t be her last visit to Orange County, she said.

“Orange County is part of California, why wouldn’t I be here? I need to be everywhere, especially in Orange County,” said Lee. “I want them to get to know me. I’m asking for their vote.”

Lee outraised both Porter and Schiff in two Orange County cities: Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita. In Laguna Hills, Lee hauled in $13,500 compared to Porter’s $5,560 and Schiff’s $5,550. And in Rancho Santa Margarita, she raised $250 while Porter brought in $190 and Schiff nothing.

Overall though, Schiff is outraising the other candidates. He brought in $8.3 million during the second quarter that ended June 30 and has well over $29 million left in his coffers.

Porter raised $3.2 million in the most recent quarter with $10.4 million cash on hand, and Lee raised just over $1 million with $1.4 million left to spend.

Click here to read the full article in the OC Register

Former Los Angeles Dodger Steve Garvey Weighs U.S. Senate Bid

Former Los Angeles Dodgers icon Steve Garvey is considering running for the open U.S. Senate seat in California as a Republican, a move that would immediately upend the 2024 race, according to several GOP state party insiders and operatives who requested anonymity to discuss the former All-Star’s plans.

The 74-year-old has never held elected office but has been meeting with GOP donors and leaders around the state as he weighs a bid and is expected to make a decision within the next month or so.

Republican strategist Andy Gharakhani, who is advising Garvey, confirmed that the Palm Desert resident is weighing a campaign.

“He is being contacted by leaders up and down the state. They’re recruiting him to run from both sides, Republican and Democrat, and he’s seriously considering it,” said Gharakhani, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of New Majority, an influential business-minded donor group. “We should have a decision made here in the next few weeks.”

Garvey did not respond to requests for comment.

If Garvey runs, he will focus on quality-of-life issues such as the cost of living and public safety in California, Gharakhani said.

California has a rare open Senate seat because long-time Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 89, who is facing significant health issues, has announced that she will not seek another term in 2024. Twenty candidates had filed to run for her seat by the end of March, according to the Federal Election Commission.

The three most prominent Democrats, who have each raised at least seven figures, are Reps. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank, Katie Porter of Irvine and Barbara Lee of Oakland. Los Angeles attorney Eric Early, who ran unsuccessfully for California attorney general in 2022 and 2018, is the most prominent Republican who is officially running.

Given Democrats’ overwhelming voter-registration advantage in the state, any Republican running to succeed Feinstein faces an extremely tough challenge. No GOP candidate has won statewide office in California since 2006.

Garvey has reportedly told potential supporters that he is aware of his odds, but feels it is important for the party to have a prominent name at the top of the ballot, according to multiple people who have spoken with him.

Because of the state’s “jungle primary” system, Garvey’s entry into the race would be notable. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the March primary will advance to the general election in November 2024, regardless of party.

Normally, having multiple Republicans on the ballot would dilute the party’s chances of making the general-election ballot. But this calculus could be upended because of Garvey’s celebrity and name recognition in two of the state’s largest cities. The first baseman played for the Dodgers from 1969 to 1982 and for the San Diego Padres from 1983 to 1987. In addition to a 1981 World Series victory, Garvey was a 10-time National League All-Star and won four Gold Glove awards.

“Garvey was a sports legend a generation ago, but that’s who makes up the electorate,” said GOP strategist Rob Stutzman, a former advisor to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who describes Garvey as “my childhood hero” but has no involvement in his effort. “And he was huge in two markets. He was a hero in Los Angeles as well as in San Diego for the Padres. He did a ton of advertising over the years. He’s a very well-known former athlete in California, and, assuming a strong and competent candidacy, I think he would absolutely have the opportunity to consolidate the Republican vote in the primary.”

A Garvey candidacy would excite long-suffering California Republicans, even though his odds of success would be low, Stutzman added.

“It’s very tough for any Republican to win statewide, and that’s probably more true in a U.S. Senate race,” Stutzman said. “However, he could possibly be a wild-card candidate that could really change the dynamic in a way we haven’t seen happen in well over a decade. It’s hard to predict victory, but it could certainly be a real boost for the party.”

Early, who lost to Schiff in a 2020 congressional contest, said he was not concerned.

“All I know about Steve Garvey is he was a ballplayer 40 years ago and he has more baggage than the Pacific Surf Liner,” Early said.

Among the controversies in Garvey’s past are fathering two children with different women shortly before he married a third.

Early also pointed to his strength in a recent poll by UC Berkeley co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times. Among voters likely to take part in the primary, Early has support from 18%, nearly all Republicans. Porter is close behind with 17%, followed by Schiff with 14% and Lee at 9%.

“Our campaign is solely focused on beating the three extremists I’m running against,” he said, adding, “regardless of who gets in the race, we’re going to beat him and get in the top two.”

Garvey’s age could also be an issue — it’s unclear whether voters concerned about an octogenarian senator’s capabilities would want to replace her with a septuagenarian.

Garvey has flirted with running for office for decades. In 1981, he told Playboy magazine that he had been approached about running for the Senate because he could “make this society a better place to live in for all of us” and that he may one day consider running for the White House.

Seven years later, Garvey attended the Republican National Convention in New Orleans as he raised money for future President George H.W. Bush, and spoke about his political ambitions.

“Precedents have been set,” he told the San Diego Union-Tribune, adding that he might ponder a statewide run in 1990 or 1992. “We’ve had an actor in the White House. Why not a first baseman?”

Garvey has spent much of recent years unsuccessfully trying to win a spot in the baseball Hall of Fame, commenting on the sport and promoting the game in Ireland. But he has recently shown a renewed interest in politics, including meeting with California political donors and leaders.

In mid-May, Garvey attended a California GOP donor appreciation event for supporters who had contributed at least $45,500 at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage.

His potential candidacy was “openly discussed at the event,” said a prominent Republican who attended the event, which was hosted by the state’s GOP legislative leaders as well as the leader of the state party. “He attended the receptions, played golf, interacted with the attendees. He was very engaging.”

On Tuesday, Garvey headlined a fundraiser for Rep. Michelle Steel at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach where he autographed baseballs.

Garvey is also scheduled to headline the Orange County Republican Party’s signature Flag Day salute on June 14.

Click here to read the full article in the LA Times

Ocasio-Cortez to rally young voters in Irvine this weekend

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is slated to speak at UC Irvine in an effort to galvanize young voters in the upcoming midterm elections

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is headed to Orange County this weekend.

The social media-savvy progressive congresswoman from New York is slated to speak at UC Irvine on Sunday, Oct. 23, in an effort to galvanize young voters in the upcoming midterm elections.

“This high turnout must continue for Democrats to keep control of Congress and to win state races around the country – where choice, climate, and justice are on the ballot,” said a release teasing the event.

Ocasio-Cortez is the second high-profile Democrat to visit Irvine, where Democratic Rep. Katie Porter is up for re-election, in as many weeks. President Joe Biden visited Irvine Valley College last week where he touted his administration’s efforts to combat inflation and cut down on rising drug costs – while also praising Porter’s work in Congress.

Ocasio-Cortez’s visit is a “continuation of what we’ve seen … and what we’ve been building up” in Orange County, said Ada Briceño, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County.

“We now see statewide elected officials stop by, like (Attorney General) Rob Bonta and (Gov.) Gavin Newsom, and the president,” Briceño said. “It’s a continuation of people understanding Orange County is so crucial for the nation.”

Matthew Beckmann, a UCI political science professor, said Biden and Ocasio-Cortez “have a star power that will shine a light on local Democrats and put a little wind into the turnout sails.”

“The stereotype of Orange County as a conservative bastion has been overplayed for many years now. Now, though, everyone knows we are home to several ‘swing’ districts,” Beckmann said. “Whereas politics have long dropped into Orange County for fundraising, they now also take the time to help buoy fellow partisans in competitive areas.”

Aside from Ocasio-Cortez, those scheduled to speak are: Tommy Vietor, co-founder of Crooked Media and host of Pod Save America; Costa Mesa Councilwoman Arlis Reynolds; UCI professor Kathleen Treseder; and Iris “Nini” Wu of the Orange County Young Democrats.

“High voter turnout is a sign of a healthy community, so I’m all in for events that bring awareness and interest in local elections – especially among our young adults who will live with the impacts of our decisions longer than the rest of us,” Reynolds said.

Porter faces Republican Scott Baugh in the CA-47 race this fall. The Cook Political Report has ranked the race as “lean Democrat.”

Click here to read the full article in the OC Register

Porter Berated Irvine Mayor in Texts After Town Hall: ‘Lecture Me’ on ‘Professionalism’ and ‘See What Happens’

California Democrat Rep. Katie Porter berated Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan in their text conversation after trashing the Irvine police department after her violent town hall last year.

Fox News Digital obtained the full text message exchange between Porter and Khan following a fight that broke out at the congresswoman’s July 2021 town hall that saw the man Porter lives with arrested.

In the texts, Porter criticized Khan, saying she would not call the mayor after the arrest of Julian Willis after he allegedly punched a pro-Trump protester, giving the protester a bloody nose.

Fox News Digital previously reported that Porter trashed the Irvine police department after Willis’ arrest, calling the force a “disgrace” and that she “will never trust them again.”

“I see that you’re upset, but it would be more professional of you to just call me for clarification,” Khan said in the text messages exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital.

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“I have never done anything to you. You cannot say the same,” Porter wrote. “I have helped you with your campaign and tried to be a good partner. I don’t owe you a phone call.”

“You should have called me with [the] complete fail by [the] city yesterday,” Porter continued. “I am a United States Congress woman (sic).”

“You can lecture me on professionalism. And see what happens,” Porter added, despite famously wearing a Batgirl Halloween costume to the House of Representatives on the same day Democrats voted for a resolution on ground rules for the impeachment inquiry surrounding then-President Trump. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and other Republicans mocked the costume on Twitter.

“As I have been with you, even though I feel like I’m treated very poorly,” Khan responded.

Porter asked Khan to tell her how she has “helped” her, texting “I’m listening” and telling Khan she “can take the advice about Bogarting stuff or not.”

“Up to you. But I am not alone,” Porter wrote. “I am just [the] only one who respects you enough to give you the advice.”

“I have supported you for a very long time in many ways and continue to do so,” Khan responded.

The pair of Democrat officials also sparred over Khan and her executive assistant Cory Allen going to a Mexican restaurant where Porter was eating, with the congresswoman taking aim at the mayor’s reputation and making the barbs personal.

“And the next time I have a high ranking official come, only come to things you are invited to,” Porter wrote. “Stopping by the Mexican restaurant was ridiculous. You have a reputation for not staying in your lane and seeking attention. And the result is we’ll keep things out of Irvine next time.”

“You need to hear this [because] it is damaging others willingness to work with you (sic),” Porter continued. “Tammy, Dave, Santa Ana mayor [Vicente Sarmiento], etc all great. You created stress on staff.”

“That’s quite a leap you’re taking,” Khan fired back. “I’m sorry, but Cory and I were planning on going to the Mexican restaurant that day, when we saw the security vehicles we went somewhere else. I attended all events I was invited to either by Secretary [Marty] Walsh’s staff, [the Orange County Labor Federation], your staff or [Irvine Unified School District].”

“You just happened by that particular Mexican restaurant????” Porter responded. “Please.”

It is unclear what sparked the Mexican restaurant spat, but it further illustrates the tumultuous relationship between the two California Democrats.

Following the exchange, the pair of Democrats reverted to incredibly formal salutations and communication style, addressing each other by their titles.

Neither Porter’s nor Khan’s offices responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

In the initial report by Fox News Digital, Porter spokesperson Jordan Wong told Fox News Digital the congresswoman “was upset that a planned family-friendly town hall was hijacked by extremists, who made constituents feel unsafe, including using hateful slurs in front of children.”

“She was disappointed that despite our staff alerting police days before the event that the extremists were openly advertising their intention to disrupt the town hall, officers on the day of the incident were hundreds of feet away and did not intervene immediately when fighting broke out,” Wong said.

“Since then, Rep. Porter and our office have worked productively with the Irvine Police Department, including the Congresswoman hosting the new police chief in her office for a constructive and cooperative meeting,” he continued.

The congresswoman — a former law professor who was paid more than $285,000 one year during her time at the University of California, Irvine — made headlines when it was revealed she earned thousands of dollars in royalty fees from law school textbooks that she required her own students to purchase for the courses she taught.

In 2017, Porter, who is now seeking re-election to the House this November, was paid $286,674 to teach two courses per semester at the institution, according to Transparent California.

Click here to read the full article at Fox News

Rep. Katie Porter Draws Scrutiny for Calling Irvine Police ‘Disgrace’ in 2021

The OC congresswoman expressed frustration with how Irvine police handled an altercation that broke out at her event after far-right protestors interrupted it.

Rep. Katie Porter’s Irvine event in July 2021 was memorable not because it was her first in-person town hall since the COVID-19 pandemic started but because a physical altercation broke out after far-right opponents disrupted the gathering.

In the aftermath, Porter texted Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, voicing her frustration with what happened at the event and how it was handled by law enforcement.

“I will never trust them again,” Porter said, noting she was set to meet with the chief of police. “Well, your police force is a disgrace.”

The texts, critical of the Irvine Police Department, were first reported on by Fox News and have been shared by conservative media outlets.

“Rep. Porter was upset that a planned family-friendly themed town hall was hijacked by extremists who made constituents feel unsafe, including using hateful slurs in front of children,” Jordan Wong, a spokesperson for the Democratic congresswoman, said in a statement shared with the Register. “She was disappointed that despite our staff alerting police days before the event that the extremists were openly advertising their intention to disrupt the town hall, officers on the day of the incident were hundreds of feet away and did not intervene immediately when fighting broke out.”

A spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department did not respond to emailed questions about its handling of the event.

Julian Willis of La Jolla was cited and released for his actions during the altercation, police said at the time. Willis reportedly has lived at Porter’s Irvine home, although it’s not clear if that is still the case.

A self-proclaimed “American Nationalist” group led by Nick Taurus — who has been involved in other protests that turned physical — interrupted the July 2021 event by shouting personal insults at the congresswoman.

Click here to read the full article at the OC Register

With California’s Congressional Maps Set, Candidates Swoop In

After months of stall as they waited for new district lines, California’s congressional incumbents and challengers rushed to declare their candidacies Tuesday as key matchups, including a potential high-stakes contest between Orange County Democrats, began to crystallize.

The redrawing of California’s congressional, legislative and Board of Equalization boundaries will shape the contours of the state’s political landscape for the next 10 years. Politicians, however, immediately turned their attention to a more pressing question for the next 11 months — where they will run in the 2022 midterm election.

Soon after the state’s independent redistricting commission approved the new maps — in some cases, within minutes of the vote — incumbents had announced reelection plans and specified which of the reconfigured seats they’re seeking.

The flurry of announcements underscored how antsy California politicians are to introduce themselves to new voters, scope out potential challengers and, in some cases, physically relocate, in response to the commission’s work.

“We have our maps now. We’re talking to all of our members to see who’s running where,” said Jessica Patterson, chair of the California Republican Party. “We will be pushing on those [recruited] candidates we think are ready to step up to the next level.”

The new district lines were not drawn according to partisan considerations — the independent commission is not allowed to take partisanship into account. But the lines were broadly good news for the Democratic Party. All of the seats now held by Democrats will tilt even more blue with the new boundaries. By contrast, five of the 11 seats held by Republicans will grow more competitive.

But the shuffling has led to at-times awkward maneuvering for candidates of both parties, especially in Orange County and the Central Valley, two of the most politically contested parts of the state.

Click here to read the full article at the LA Times