Katie Porter Outlines Energy, Federal Funding Positions During Riverside Campaign Stop

Gubernatorial candidate discusses California's energy policy, environmental justice, and federal-state relations

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:24am

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During a campaign event in Riverside, California, gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter outlined her positions on energy policy, federal-state relations, and environmental justice. Porter addressed concerns about offshore oil drilling and rising fuel costs, advocating for long-term investment in renewable energy. She also discussed California's financial relationship with the federal government, emphasizing the need for stronger negotiation with federal leaders.

Why it matters

As a gubernatorial candidate, Porter's positions on key issues like energy, environmental justice, and federal funding will be crucial in shaping the policy debate and influencing voters in the 2026 election. The Inland Empire region is expected to play a significant role in the race, making Porter's outreach and engagement with local residents an important part of her campaign strategy.

The details

Porter addressed concerns about California's unique regulatory framework, including the state's low carbon fuel standard, which she said contributes to price spikes when refineries go offline. She advocated for long-term investment in renewable energy, framing the shift as both an economic and public health priority, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Porter also discussed California's financial relationship with the federal government, emphasizing the need for stronger negotiation with federal leaders, including President Donald Trump. She pointed to California's economic contributions and large military presence as leverage in those discussions, while underscoring the importance of congressional representation.

  • The March 21 event was held at IBEW Local 47 and hosted by Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson.
  • The Riverside stop is part of Porter's broader outreach across the Inland Empire, a region expected to play a key role in California's 2026 gubernatorial race.

The players

Katie Porter

A gubernatorial candidate in California who is campaigning across the state, including in the Inland Empire region.

Corey A. Jackson

An Assemblymember who hosted the event where Porter spoke in Riverside.

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What they’re saying

“California has something called the low carbon fuel standard, meaning that our mix, how our gas is refined, is different than in every other state.”

— Katie Porter, Gubernatorial Candidate

“I would say we should certainly step into the energy business, but I think California's money is best spent putting in and pioneering green and clean energy.”

— Katie Porter, Gubernatorial Candidate

“Greener and cleaner energy is cheaper energy, but it's also an environmental justice and racial justice issue.”

— Katie Porter, Gubernatorial Candidate

“There is a role to be angry at President Trump. But we also have to get into the nitty gritty.”

— Katie Porter, Gubernatorial Candidate

“Winning those House seats in the fall really, really matters.”

— Katie Porter, Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The Riverside stop is part of Porter's broader outreach across the Inland Empire, a region expected to play a key role in California's 2026 gubernatorial race.

The takeaway

Porter's positions on energy policy, environmental justice, and federal-state relations highlight her willingness to challenge powerful interests and lead with a focus on core values, which could resonate with voters in the Inland Empire and across California as she campaigns for governor.