Becerra Accuses USC of Bias in California Governor Debate Lineup

Former HHS Secretary criticizes exclusion of candidates of color from upcoming gubernatorial debate.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:14am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra criticized the University of Southern California (USC) and ABC7 Los Angeles for excluding candidates of color from an upcoming gubernatorial debate scheduled for March 24. Becerra characterized the decision as unfair and likened it to discriminatory practices of the past.

Why it matters

This controversy follows accusations from Democratic candidates of color that state party leaders are attempting to favor white candidates with stronger polling numbers. The dispute highlights the complex interplay between objective criteria—like polling and fundraising—and perceptions of fairness and representation in political debates.

The details

The debate, cosponsored by ABC7 Los Angeles and Univision, will include six candidates. USC stated that its Center for the Political Future authorized a political expert, Dr. Christian Grose, to independently establish the methodology for candidate inclusion, considering opinion polling and campaign fundraising. However, discrepancies emerged regarding the fundraising criteria, with USC later clarifying that it also included large donations reported immediately to the state, which impacted the inclusion of San José Mayor Matt Mahan.

  • The upcoming debate is scheduled less than three months before the June primary election.

The players

Xavier Becerra

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who criticized the debate selection process.

University of Southern California (USC)

The co-sponsor of the upcoming gubernatorial debate, whose Center for the Political Future established the candidate inclusion criteria.

ABC7 Los Angeles

The co-sponsor of the upcoming gubernatorial debate.

Matt Mahan

San José Mayor, a participant in the debate, who agreed with Becerra's assessment that all candidates should have the opportunity to participate.

Mike Murphy

Veteran GOP strategist, co-director of the USC Center for the Political Future, who is assisting an independent expenditure committee supporting Mahan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.