Former US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has publicly criticized the University of Southern California (USC) and ABC7 for their decision to exclude all candidates of color from an upcoming gubernatorial debate.Becerra, who is among the leading Democratic candidates in the race, described the exclusion as a deliberate act that undermines the democratic process.
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latimes.comaol.comBecerra's comments come as the debate, scheduled for March 25, 2026, has raised alarms about fairness and representation in California's political landscape.He argued that the decision deprives voters of hearing diverse perspectives on key issues facing the state.
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nationaltoday.com"I have to say that this smells of election rigging in a hotly contested race," Becerra wrote in an open letter to USC President Beong-Soo Kim.He referenced a painful history of racial exclusion, stating, "My father used to tell me of the days when he would encounter signs posted outside establishments that read 'No Dogs, Negroes or Mexicans Allowed.'" Becerra emphasized that USC's actions appear to selectively filter public views of the gubernatorial candidates.
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latimes.comrtumble.comThe debate organizers have defended their methodology, asserting that a political expert was responsible for determining eligibility criteria based on opinion polling and campaign fundraising efforts.Dr Christian Grose, a political science professor, was tasked with establishing this methodology at the request of USC's Center for the Political Future.
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aol.comrtumble.comHowever, conflicting information about the criteria has emerged, particularly regarding the fundraising totals considered.Some candidates, such as San José Mayor Matt Mahan, entered the race late and have not been able to file the necessary semi-annual fundraising disclosures, despite having significant donations since joining the race.
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aol.comBecerra's sentiments were echoed by other Democratic candidates of color who have also been excluded from the debate.Former state Controller Betty Yee, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have collectively condemned the debate's candidate selection process.Villaraigosa described the exclusion as a "biased and bigoted action," arguing it manipulates data to favor white candidates over qualified candidates of color.
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latimes.comaol.com"Californians deserve a fair process, and voters deserve to hear from all qualified voices," Villaraigosa asserted, pushing back against what he sees as an unjust system that favors certain candidates.
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aol.comCritics of the debate's structure have pointed out that the six candidates selected to participate include Republicans Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, along with Democrats Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Mahan.
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latimes.comThe participation of Mahan, a candidate who has received significant support from Silicon Valley, has raised questions about the equity of the selection process, particularly as he has never polled higher than several excluded candidates.
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aol.comUSC officials have stated they are working to clarify the selection criteria and have reaffirmed that the methodology remains unchanged."We are reissuing the criteria to make clear that they include current fundraising totals," the Center for the Political Future noted in a statement.
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latimes.comThe controversy reflects broader anxieties within the Democratic Party in California, where candidates of color have expressed concerns about being sidelined in favor of white candidates who may have more financial backing.
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latimes.comaol.comAs the primary election approaches, the debate's exclusion of diverse voices could have significant implications for voter engagement and representation in the state.
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nationaltoday.comIn a political landscape characterized by its diversity, the exclusion of candidates of color from this high-profile debate has ignited discussions about the importance of inclusive representation in democratic processes.The upcoming gubernatorial race is not only pivotal for California's future but also serves as a litmus test for the political establishment's commitment to equity and fairness.
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nationaltoday.comAs the debate date approaches, the tension surrounding candidate selection continues to grow, with calls for transparency and fairness echoing throughout the California political arena.
