SAN FRANCISCO — During tonight’s gubernatorial debate, Katie Porter once again reversed her position on single-payer health care, a position that Tom Steyer has consistently supported in order to bring down the cost of health care for all Californians.
“Katie Porter spent nearly a decade running for office on Medicare for All until it was no longer politically convenient,” Steyer for Governor spokesperson Danni Wang said. “When she lost the California Nurses Association endorsement to Tom Steyer, she suddenly decided single-payer was ‘unrealistic’ and switched her position without explanation. Three weeks later, she was back on the bandwagon.”
“As governor, Tom Steyer is committed to passing single-payer health care because it will bring down costs for all Californians. And California’s nurses and health care workers trust him because they know he means it.”
THE FACTS
Porter Supported Medicare For All In Every Federal Campaign Between 2018 and 2024. [Katie Porter, 2018; Katie Porter, 2020; Katie Porter, 2022; Katie Porter, Katie Porter, 2024]
September 2025: Porter Said A State-Based Single Payer System In California Is “Unrealistic.” According to Politico, “Porter, who also has been a proponent of a federal Medicare for All plan, was even less gung ho about California building its own single-payer plan. ‘I’ve always championed it at the federal level. … I don’t think it’s realistic in the next couple of years for the state to push forward on that,’ she said at the summit.” [Politico, 9/4/25]
February 3, 2026: CNA Endorsed Steyer For Governor, Citing His “Unequivocal Support” For Both National And State Single Payer Systems. According to the CNA’s press release, “California Nurses Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state, with more than 100,000 members, today endorsed Tom Steyer for governor of California. Nurses say their endorsement is fueled by Steyer’s unequivocal support for a national and state single-payer health care system; for ending corporate control over politics and working people’s lives; for taxing billionaires and corporations; and for protecting democracy.” [California Nurses Association Press Release, 2/3/26]
Porter Announced That She Once Again Supports Single Payer Systems, Including CalCare. According to a video posted by Porter on Youtube, “It was true in 2017, and it’s true today. Single-payer is the only to provide the highest quality healthcare for all…It’s time for CalCare.” [Katie Porter Youtube Channel, 2/23/26]
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