USC Cancels Governor’s Debate Amid Controversy Over Candidate Selection

A high-profile gubernatorial debate at University of Southern California has been canceled following growing criticism over which candidates were invited to participate.

The debate, scheduled for tonight, drew backlash after several candidates of color, including Javier Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa, were excluded from the lineup. Critics raised concerns about fairness and representation in the selection process.

In a statement, USC officials said the controversy had become a distraction from the issues most important to voters.

Becerra praised the decision, saying the debate setup “prematurely chose winners and losers,” while Villaraigosa added the format penalized candidates who entered the race early.

Meanwhile, Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for governor, also weighed in, expressing disappointment over the cancellation and defending the debate’s structure. Bianco rejected claims that race played a role in the controversy.

The cancellation comes as early polling shows Bianco and fellow Republican Steve Hilton gaining traction, while a crowded field of Democratic candidates continues to compete for momentum in the race.