Former Democratic congresswoman Katie Porter has signalled the end of her political career, telling the Sacramento Bee she does not expect to run for office again following a poor showing in California's gubernatorial race. The announcement marks a striking turn for a lawmaker once seen as a rising Democratic star, and it comes after a string of unsuccessful bids for higher office.

Porter finished fifth in the California governor's contest and had earlier given up her US House seat to run for the Senate seat left vacant by the late Dianne Feinstein, a race she also lost. Speaking to the Bee on Friday, she said "I am closing the door on being a candidate" and added, "I cannot foresee that path back," indicating a definitive step away from elected politics rather than a temporary pause.