The debate, co-hosted by the University of Southern California and KABC-TV, was slated 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—did not meet the criteria to participate. 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 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. The university reversed course Monday night, saying that the debate co-hosts couldn’t agree on a solution.
USC made the right call, even if it came late and under pressure.
According to The Independent - World, Antonio Villaraigosa described the cancellation as the right call, even if it came late and under pressure. No clear front-runner has emerged in the crowded race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom ahead of the June 2 primary.