Childhood and Education Journey of Katie Porter in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Katie Porter. A timeline of key moments.

Katie Porter is an American politician and lawyer. She served as a U.S. Representative for California from 2019 to 2025, representing the 45th and later the 47th congressional districts. Known for her consumer protection advocacy and pointed questioning of corporate executives during congressional hearings, she gained prominence for her use of whiteboards to illustrate complex issues. In 2023, Porter ran for U.S. Senate but was defeated in the primary.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1953: Creation of the 45th District

In 1953, the 45th congressional district was created. Katie Porter was the first Democrat to represent the 45th district or its predecessors since it was created in 1953.

January 3, 1974: Katherine Porter's Birth

On January 3, 1974, Katherine Moore Porter was born. She would later become a U.S. Representative for California.

1985: Last Non-Hispanic Democrat

In 1985, Jerry M. Patterson left office. Before Katie Porter and Harley Rouda were elected in 2018, he was the last non-Hispanic Democrat to represent Orange County-based districts.

1996: Graduation from Yale University

In 1996, Katie Porter graduated from Yale University with a degree in American studies. Her undergraduate thesis was titled "The Effects of Corporate Farming on Rural Community."

2001: Graduation from Harvard Law School

In 2001, Katie Porter graduated magna cum laude with her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where she studied under Elizabeth Warren.

2003: Marriage to Matthew Hoffman

In 2003, Katie Porter married Matthew Hoffman, with whom she has three children.

2005: Joined University of Iowa College of Law

In 2005, Katie Porter joined the faculty of the University of Iowa College of Law as an associate professor.

2010: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Katie Porter was endorsed by End Citizens United, a political action committee seeking to overturn this decision.

2011: Became a Full Professor

In 2011, Katie Porter became a full professor at the University of Iowa College of Law. Also in 2011, she became a tenured professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law.

2011: Purchased Residence on UC Irvine Campus

In 2011, Katie Porter purchased a four-bedroom residence on the University of California, Irvine, campus.

2013: Filed for Divorce

In 2013, Katie Porter filed for divorce from Matthew Hoffman. Their divorce was contentious.

2016: Americans Voting by Mail

In 2016, Americans voted by mail. During an August 24, 2020, hearing, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy admitted that he did not know how many Americans voted by mail in the 2016 elections.

2020: Trump's Loss

In 2020, former president Trump experienced a loss. After her loss in the primary, Katie Porter said the election had been "rigged" against her, which triggered backlash from some Democrats, who condemned her language for echoing former president Trump's refusal to accept his 2020 loss.

2022: Report on Median Residence Price

In 2022, the Associated Press reported that the median price of a residence in Irvine was $1,300,000.

2023: Senate Candidacy Announcement

In 2023, Katie Porter announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, foregoing re-election to the House of Representatives.

2023: Reported as Episcopalian

In 2023, the Pew Research Center reported that Katie Porter is an Episcopalian.

2025: End of Congressional Term

In January 2025, Katie Porter's service in the U.S. House of Representatives ended after she did not seek re-election and failed to advance in the Senate primary.