California governor’s debate canceled because candidates were too white

The University of Southern California cancelled a planned California primary gubernatorial debate because all of the candidates invited were white, multiple media outlets reported.

USC and KABC-TV invited Republicans Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton as well as Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and left-wing billionaire Tom Steyer to the debate based on a formula that combined poll standings and campaign funds, the New York Times reported. The decision drew complaints from excluded Democratic candidates, including former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former California State Controller Betty Yee, according to NBC Los Angeles.