USC canceled the California gubernatorial debate after Xavier Becerra and other leaders of color alleged the selection process was racially biased.The exclusion of prominent candidates like Antonio Villaraigosa and Tony Thurmond sparked a massive backlash from the Black and Latino legislative caucuses.Organizers used a viability formula based on polling and fundraising that allowed white candidates with lower numbers to participate over diverse rivals.The university eventually called off the event after failing to reach an agreement with
KABC-TV regarding the expansion of the participant list.