The University of Southern California has canceled a gubernatorial debate scheduled for Tuesday after candidates of color were excluded and accused the university of discrimination.
FILE - California gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, Feb. 21, 2026. FILE - California gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, Saturday, Feb.
21, 2026. FILE - California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. FILE - California gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, Feb. 21, 2026. – The University of Southern California canceled a gubernatorial debate planned for Tuesday after candidates of color, who would have been excluded, accused the school of discrimination. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, and Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell and Matt Mahan, who are all white, were slated to participate in the debate hosted by the University of Southern California and KABC-TV. But four established Democratic candidates of color, Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee and Tony Thurmond, didn't meet the criteria to participate.No clear front-runner has emerged in the crowded race ahead of the June 2 primary. The university has defended a formula used to select the participants and denied allegations of bias. A public policy professor independently developed the criteria based on candidates’ polling and fundraising, the university said in a statement Friday. But the university reversed course Monday night, saying that the debate co-hosts couldn’t agree on a solution. The"data-driven candidate viability formula is based on extensive research and enjoys broad academic support,” it said in a statement. “At the same time, we recognize that concerns about the selection criteria for tomorrow’s gubernatorial debate have created a significant distraction from the issues that matter to voters.” The controversy escalated Monday when legislative leaders, including chairs of the Black and Latino caucuses, called on organizers to open the debate to the other established candidates. “If USC does not do the right thing, we call on California voters to boycott this debate," they 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.” Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor who is Latino, celebrated the university's decision to cancel the debate.Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Families bid farewell as USS Mason heads out for deployment from Naval Station Mayport▶Powerful winds, worsening drought threaten Jacksonville areaYour next beach day find could change someone’s life. 🌊☀️JSO arrests 21-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 2-year-oldNights of Lights dates permanently changed in 3 to 2 voteFormer JEA chief of staff tells City Council committee employees are ‘scared for their job’JSO searching for 21-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 2-year-old at apartment complexHelp spread the word about AI scams targeting service membersFamily identifies 2-year-old boy killed during dispute at Westside apartment complexMechanical issue causes JTA bus to catch fire on Arlington ExpresswayAnother dry day in Northeast Florida. Here's a Monday weather update.Road-rage shootout leaves 1 dead, police searching for 2nd driverLoved ones mourn 'happy baby' after 2-year-old fatally shot during domestic disputeCuban immigrants in Jacksonville call for action as island faces widescale blackoutThe Block Jax owner working on solutions to parking chaos that spilled into neighboring lotsThe Block Jax owner working on solutions to parking chaos that spilled into neighboring lotsAI Can not spell Ortega. It is a beautiful river and great on a west wind day. EnjoyBlind Clay County fourth grader finds new world in Braille booksWalk the Talk: Epilepsy Alliance Florida hosts awareness walk at Jacksonville Zoo0:50Gators, Hurricanes begin quest for national title; Bulldogs end season in first roundMan killed in Ponte Vedra double shooting remembered as ‘life of the party’Father says his daughter was detained at Blue Cypress Park teen takeoverInside new family-focused venue The Block Jax on city's SouthsideThe first day of spring is here! Michelle gives a look at the temperatures into the weekendPrevious photo
Ethnicity Politics Eric Swalwell Betty Yee Race Antonio Villaraigosa Tony Thurmond Xavier Becerra Matt Mahan Katie Porter Chad Bianco Steve Hilton U.S. News
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