The University of Southern California has abruptly cancelled a high-profile gubernatorial debate scheduled for Tuesday, following intense accusations of racial bias and discrimination from excluded candidates of colour. The decision came after a mounting political controversy that saw legislative leaders threaten a voter boycott.
Debate Cancellation After Exclusion of Candidates of Colour
The debate, co-hosted by USC and KABC-TV, was set to feature six white candidates: Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, alongside Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Matt Mahan. However, four established Democratic candidates of colour—Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee, and Tony Thurmond—were barred from participating, having failed to meet the selection criteria.
Selection Criteria and University Defence
USC initially defended the debate's participant formula, stating it was a "data-driven candidate viability formula" independently developed by a public policy professor. This criteria was based on candidates' polling numbers and fundraising achievements, with the university asserting it enjoyed "broad academic support" and was rooted in extensive research.
In a statement released on Friday, the university firmly denied any allegations of bias, emphasising the objective nature of the selection process. Yet, by Monday night, USC reversed its position, announcing the cancellation after debate co-hosts could not agree on a resolution to the escalating dispute.
Political Backlash and Calls for Boycott
The controversy intensified dramatically on Monday when influential legislative leaders, including chairs of the Black and Latino caucuses, demanded organisers open the debate to all established candidates. They issued a stark warning, urging California voters to boycott the event if USC refused to act.
"If USC does not do the right thing, we call on California voters to boycott this debate," the leaders wrote. "If the university will not give voters a fair shot at evaluating everyone running for governor, voters should find other ways to learn about the candidates."
Candidate Reaction and Race Dynamics
Antonio Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor and one of the excluded Latino candidates, welcomed the university's decision to cancel, albeit criticising its timing. "USC made the right call, even if it came late and under pressure," he stated.
The cancellation leaves the crowded gubernatorial race without a clear front-runner ahead of the June 2 primary, as the debate was poised to be a key event for voter engagement. USC acknowledged in its statement that concerns over the selection criteria had become a "significant distraction from the issues that matter to voters," ultimately leading to the event's termination.
