Los Angeles – Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, sharply criticized the University of Southern California (USC) and ABC7 Los Angeles on Friday for hosting a gubernatorial debate he alleges deliberately excludes candidates of color. Becerra contends the decision to exclude him and other candidates is unfair and “smells of election rigging” as the June primary approaches.
The controversy centers on the criteria used to determine participation in the March 24 debate, cosponsored by ABC7 and Univision. Becerra, in a letter to USC President Beong-Soo Kim, drew a historical parallel, 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.’” He argued USC’s actions, while not overtly discriminatory, effectively filter the voters’ view of the field in a competitive race.
USC maintains that the selection process was impartial, stating that Dr. Christian Grose, a professor of political science and international relations, independently established the methodology for determining eligibility. “No one in the USC administration had any role in developing, reviewing or approving those criteria,” according to a statement from the Center for the Political Future at USC. However, discrepancies in the stated criteria have fueled the controversy.
The initial methodology reportedly considered opinion polling and campaign fundraising, based on semi-annual reports filed with the California Secretary of State. Later statements indicated the criteria also included large, immediately reported donations. This distinction is significant, as San José Mayor Matt Mahan, who entered the race in late January, had not yet filed a semi-annual report but has received substantial contributions. Mahan echoed Becerra’s concerns, stating he “should be included in the debate,” citing his extensive record of public service.
USC officials have since clarified that the criteria include both semi-annual and late-reporting fundraising totals, maintaining the rank order of the top six candidates remains unchanged. Grose explained the initial description regarding semi-annual reports was a “wording issue,” not a methodological flaw. The candidates scheduled to participate are Republicans Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, and Democrats Northern California Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire hedge-fund founder Tom Steyer, and Mahan.
Accusations of Bias and Exclusion
The debate selection process has ignited broader accusations of bias within the Democratic party. Several Democratic candidates of color have alleged that state party leaders are attempting to consolidate support behind white candidates who currently lead in opinion polls. In addition to Becerra, former state Controller Betty Yee, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were excluded from the debate and have voiced their disapproval.
Villaraigosa, who previously taught public policy at USC, condemned the selection formula as “biased and bigoted,” arguing it unfairly excluded qualified Black, Latino, and API candidates in favor of less qualified white candidates. Becerra similarly emphasized the outcome, stating, “You can’t escape the detestable outcome: you disqualified all of the candidates of color from participating while you invited a white candidate who has NEVER polled higher than some of the candidates of color, including me.” He was referencing Mahan, who has received significant financial backing from Silicon Valley leaders.
Veteran GOP strategist Mike Murphy, co-director of the USC Center for the Political Future, is assisting an independent expenditure committee supporting Mahan. Murphy stated he has recused himself from any involvement in the debate and has requested unpaid leave from the university through the June 2 primary if he becomes a paid advisor to the committee. He affirmed his support for Mahan but denied any influence over the debate selection process.
The debate selection process comes as California’s gubernatorial race remains fluid. According to Ballotpedia, Xavier Becerra is running for Governor of California, having previously served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from March 2021 to January 2025. He was confirmed by the Senate on March 18, 2021, by a vote of 50-49.
What’s Next in the California Gubernatorial Race
The controversy surrounding the USC debate is likely to intensify scrutiny of the candidate selection process and raise questions about fairness and representation in the upcoming primary. The debate is scheduled for March 24, and the primary election is set for June 2, 2026. Further developments regarding the debate criteria and potential legal challenges remain to be seen. The outcome of this election will be pivotal for the future direction of California.
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