Bianco Tells Porter to Take Motherhood Advice in Tense California Debate Clash

A crowd at a California gubernatorial debate gasped and groaned when Republican candidate Chad Bianco told Democratic candidate Katie Porter to take his advice on how to be a proper mother. The comment came during a heated exchange on the state's sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants.

Porter and Bianco joined six other candidates at NBC LA and Telemundo 52's debate on Wednesday, weeks before California's jungle primary on June 2, 2026.

The dispute started when the moderator asked Porter about the sanctuary policies. She replied that laws on the books should be enforced to prevent "crazy cowboys" from "taking the law into their own hands."

Bianco interrupted: "tell that to a crazy mother who lost her child."

"I don't need any lectures from you about being a mother," Porter shot back.

"You might," Bianco replied, prompting gasps from the audience.

Both campaigns have drawn controversy. A resurfaced video shows Porter directing expletives at a staffer, and details from her divorce have prompted questions about the former congresswoman's temperament to lead California.

Porter shares three children with ex-husband Matthew Hoffman. The couple separated in 2013. In divorce filings, Hoffman accused Porter of verbal and physical abuse, including pouring a bowl of scalding-hot mashed potatoes on his head.

Porter and Hoffman share custody of their children despite the allegations.

Porter's ex-boyfriend Julian Willis threatened to call Child Protective Services on her, but no evidence shows she lost custody. The threats came amid about a thousand texts Porter and family members received over three months. Porter obtained a temporary restraining order against Willis over claims he was verbally and physically abusive to her.

Fox News Digital reached out to Porter for comment.

Bianco, a career law enforcement officer and current sheriff, has faced criticism for his past association with the far-right Oath Keepers. He says his brief membership ended in 2014.

Fox News Digital reached out to Bianco for further comment.