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USC Professor Defends Controversial Gubernatorial Debate Selection Method

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Christian Grose, a professor at the University of Southern California (USC), defended his candidate-selection formula for California's gubernatorial debate in a CNN interview.
The formula faced backlash for excluding candidates of color and helped trigger the debate's cancellation.
Grose argued the method is standard in political research and endorsed by prestigious universities.
He dismissed racism accusations and said the selection process was determined by USC, not him.

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Story summary

Christian Grose, a professor at the University of Southern California (USC), defended his candidate-selection formula for California's gubernatorial debate in a CNN interview.
The formula faced backlash for excluding candidates of color and helped trigger the debate's cancellation.
Grose argued the method is standard in political research and endorsed by prestigious universities.
He dismissed racism accusations and said the selection process was determined by USC, not him.