Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds USC Gubernatorial Debate Selection Criteria
3/24/2026, 3:41:38 PM
Exclusion of Candidates of Color Sparks Boycott Call
Democratic legislative leaders in California have urged voters to boycott the upcoming gubernatorial debate at the University of Southern California (USC) if the university does not include all leading candidates. The call for a boycott comes in response to the exclusion of prominent candidates of color from the debate, which is scheduled for March 24, 2026. The letter, sent to USC President Beong-Soo Kim by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, and leaders of various legislative caucuses, emphasizes the widespread concern over the debate's selection criteria.
The controversy centers on the university's methodology for selecting participants, which critics argue has resulted in a biased outcome. Notably, the criteria allowed San José Mayor Matt Mahan, a white candidate with ties to USC’s donor community, to be included while excluding former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former state Controller Betty Yee.
Criticism of USC's Selection Process
The letter from California's Democratic leaders highlights the "deafening" outcry from voters and legal demands from the excluded candidates' attorneys. It states, “The university’s selection process — built on a formula never before used for a debate of this scale, has delivered a result that is biased.” Critics argue that the burden lies with USC to justify its selection process rather than expecting acceptance from the public.
Mike Murphy, a co-director of the USC center hosting the debate, has faced scrutiny due to his advisory role with a committee supporting Mahan. He has claimed to have no involvement in organizing the debate and has requested unpaid leave if he takes a paid role in Mahan's campaign. Additionally, USC has received significant donations from billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso, a supporter of Mahan, raising further questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Official Responses and Statements
In response to the backlash, the debate sponsors released a statement defending their selection criteria, asserting that it was based on established metrics used nationwide, combining polling and fundraising without bias toward any candidate. They categorically denied allegations of favoritism.
Despite the controversy, the four candidates participating in the debate—Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, and Mahan—have criticized USC's criteria but have not withdrawn from the debate. Swalwell expressed disappointment over the exclusion, stating, “It is a shame that USC has decided to elevate one candidate at the expense of others.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The outcry over this debate is deafening and includes legal demands from the excluded candidates’ attorneys, public calls by elected leaders across the state, concerns from the included candidates’ own campaigns, and growing alarm from California voters.” — Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
- “This is the most important election for California in a generation, and I encourage everyone to be engaged, learn as much as possible about each candidate, then form an opinion who can move California forward in the most positive of ways.” — Rick Caruso, Billionaire Developer
- “USC, and every host of a gubernatorial debate, should employ fair, objective, and honest criteria for all candidates.” — Rep. Eric Swalwell
Conclusion
The upcoming USC gubernatorial debate has ignited significant controversy over its selection criteria, particularly regarding the exclusion of candidates of color. As calls for a boycott grow, the implications of this debate extend beyond the university, reflecting broader issues of representation and fairness in California's political landscape.
