I was a tiny bit apprehensive as I began reading Congresswoman Katie Porter’s book I Swear (subtitled Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan) because I really like and admire her, and didn’t want to be disabused of my positive view. She represents the place where I grew up, which has been referred to as being “behind the Orange Curtain”).

 In my memories of  my early years in OC, a few things stand out.  My first history professor in college was John Schmitz, who was known for a few things: he was a rabid member of the John Birch Society, he was disgraced after it came out about his extramarital affair (including two children); one of his seven children, teacher Mary Kay Letourneau, became famous (notorious?) following her conviction on charges of second degree rape of a child after her relationship with a twelve-year-old, one of her sixth-grade students, became known; and weirdest of all? Schmitz was such an  exteme right-winger that the freaking Birch Society expelled him because of his extremist views.). I worked at various fundraisers for Republican candidates, seeing up close and personal the drunken and disgusting behavior of attendees including John Wayne, the whole Reagan clan, Barbara Stanwyck, and others. And to be hired for those gigs I had to answer questions such as “have you been saved?” and assist with the gathering of weapons (because the Communists were surely about to land at Newport Beach). You get the idea. 

 Until recently, Orange County, CA has been super conservative, and the idea of an outspoken woman with progressive views unseating a Republican in that area was unthinkable. Katie had most recently been teaching Law at U.C. Irvine, following her academic honors and work for her Harvard Law mentor Elizabeth Warren. In 2018, after some years in academia teaching law, she made the decision to run for office, and has been a fixture on various news shows, podcasts, and talk shows for nearly five years. 

She has become well known for whipping out  her whiteboard in hearings, and challenging various  CEOs and government officials to task in a number of settings, including Congressional hearings. People appreciated her no-bullshit style,  

I really appreciate her no-BS style and wit. I hadn’t realized that she was the ONLY single mother in Congress, and it was somewhat shocking to read about her treatment as she struggled to “do it all.” FFS, when she tried to get minor accommodations in order to be there for her kids, she was asked “what did you expect?”

Reading about the realities of campaign fundraising, committee assignments, etc. was fascinating. The story about January 6 and how Katie hid Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her office for hours, behind barricaded doors (as the Trump-inspired insurrection took place just outside) was gripping. I loved the part about her loaning AOC a pair of sneakers, as they needed to be able to run, something hard to do in heels. There are also anecdotes about her kids’ “lightly illegal” campaign hijinks, and the challenges the entire family faced as Katie worked relentlessly to advocate for her key issues including consumer protection and governmental oversight. 

I love Katie Porter, and I admire her for many things, now including her honesty and forthrightness. Following redistricting, her district was changed so she had to essentially start over and win over new voters, many of them uber-wealthy Newport Beach types. She is now running for Senate to replace (the hopefully soon-to-retire) Senator Dianne Feinstein. Whatever happens in that race, I hope she continues her work for everyday Americans. The max is five stars, but if I could give I Promise and Katie herself more, I would.  I stayed up reading until I finished the book, and I was glued to the Kindle screen the whole time. Great read for anyone interested in politics or anyone who likes to read about strong women. Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy  of Katie’s bookin exchange for my honest review. Enjoy!!!