The Public and Private Relationships of Katie Porter: From Matthew Hoffman to Julian Willis

Rep. Katie Porter, a prominent figure in American politics known for her sharp questioning and consumer advocacy, has navigated a public career alongside a complex personal life, including a high-profile divorce from Matthew Hoffman and a more recent, tumultuous relationship that led to a restraining order against Julian Willis. Her romantic history, often under public scrutiny, reflects the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal relationships, particularly as a single mother.

Porter married Matthew Hoffman in 2003, and together they had three children. Their marriage, however, was reportedly troubled for many years before their eventual separation. Public records and media reports indicate a contentious period leading up to their 2013 divorce, marked by mutual accusations of abuse and anger management issues.

During their divorce proceedings, both Porter and Hoffman sought restraining orders against each other. According to court documents, Hoffman alleged that Porter verbally abused him, threw objects, and once poured scalding hot mashed potatoes on his head in 2006. He also claimed she called him a "f—ing idiot" and "f—ing incompetent" and prevented him from having a cell phone, stating he was "too f—ing dumb to operate it."

Porter, in turn, accused Hoffman of physical abuse, including punching a wall, pushing her into a wall, and calling her derogatory names in front of their children. She also alleged he threatened suicide and shoved their then-one-year-old daughter in her high chair. The couple reportedly attended anger management classes together in 2009, highlighting the long-standing difficulties in their relationship.

The divorce was finalized in 2014, with Porter agreeing to pay Hoffman spousal and child support, and the couple sharing custody of their children. Hoffman later moved out of California, leaving Porter as the primary caregiver. Porter has openly discussed the pain of these public revelations, particularly their impact on her children, emphasizing her role as a single mother navigating a demanding public life.

Following her divorce, Porter entered into a relationship with Julian Willis, who became a live-in boyfriend. This relationship also concluded tumultuously, leading Porter to file a restraining order against Willis in late 2024. The court documents detail allegations of "persistent abuse" and harassment from Willis after their breakup.

Porter stated in her declaration that she asked Willis to move out in late August 2024 and that he continued to send numerous messages daily, some threatening. She alleged that Willis contacted reporters to disseminate false information about her and her children, posing a significant risk to her career and reputation as a public figure. Willis reportedly sent an email to Porter's son and ex-husband, threatening to "bring the hammer down on Katie and smash her and her life into a million pieces."

The restraining order sought to prevent Willis from contacting Porter, her three children, and her mother, as well as keeping a specified distance from their home and schools. This public legal action underscored the personal challenges Porter has faced, even as she maintained a high profile in national politics and campaigned for the California governor's race.

As of recent reports, Katie Porter remains focused on her political career and her role as a single mother. Her public life has been intertwined with the personal struggles and complexities of her romantic relationships, which have, at times, become subjects of intense media scrutiny. She has consistently aimed to present herself as an authentic figure who understands the challenges faced by everyday Americans, including those navigating difficult personal circumstances.