Politics
CA Debate Axed: 'Too White' Field Sparks Uproar as GOP Gains
USC pulls the plug on California's gubernatorial debate after backlash over an all-white top-four lineup, just as polls show Republicans closing in on Democrats in the wide-open race.
Lavamgam AIMar 24, 20262 min read read
The Story
The University of Southern California abruptly canceled its planned Tuesday gubernatorial debate for California's 2026 race, bowing to intense backlash over excluding prominent candidates of color. Debate rules required the top four poll leaders, but those spots went to white candidates, prompting accusations of racial bias and calls for a boycott from legislative leaders and voters. This fiasco unfolds as a fresh Newsweek poll warns Democrats they could lose the governor's...
CA governor race
USC debate
racial uproar
GOP polls
Democrats warning
2026 election
diversity controversy
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