The University of Southern California (USC) canceled a gubernatorial debate scheduled for Tuesday after candidates of color accused the event of discrimination. The debate, co-hosted with KABC-TV, was set to feature Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, and Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Matt Mahan—all of whom are white. Four established Democratic candidates of color—Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee, and Tony Thurmond—were excluded based on selection criteria.
USC initially defended the criteria, developed by a public policy professor, which relied on polling and fundraising metrics. However, the university reversed its decision Monday night, citing an inability to reach an agreement with KABC-TV on expanding participation. In a statement, USC acknowledged the controversy as a distraction from voter-focused issues.
The cancellation followed pressure from legislative leaders, including chairs of the Black and Latino caucuses, who urged a boycott if the debate criteria were not revised. Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor, celebrated the decision as a victory for fairness. The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom remains competitive ahead of the June 2 primary, with no clear front-runner.
Selection Criteria and Controversy
The debate’s selection criteria were based on a data-driven formula developed by a USC professor, emphasizing polling and fundraising thresholds. Critics argued the criteria disproportionately excluded candidates of color, raising concerns about fairness and representation. USC maintained the process was academically supported and unbiased, but the backlash intensified as the debate approached.
Political and Public Response
Legislative leaders, including Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes and Senator María Elena Durazo, condemned the initial criteria, calling for inclusivity. They argued that excluding high-profile candidates of color undermined the debate’s credibility. The candidates who were excluded also voiced their objections, with Becerra calling the cancellation a step toward accountability.
Impact on the Gubernatorial Race
The debate’s cancellation highlights the challenges of candidate selection in a crowded primary field. With no clear front-runner, the race remains fluid, and the controversy may influence voter perceptions of fairness. The incident also underscores broader debates about diversity and representation in political forums.
USC has indicated it will seek alternative opportunities to engage voters on the candidates and key issues ahead of the primary.