Amid controversy over the canceled gubernatorial debate, critics argued the polling- and fundraising-based criteria were biased against candidates of color. In an op-ed, Political Science Professor Neilan Chaturvedi and Assistant Professor Jarred Cuellar counter that the metrics are standard, transparent measures of viability and do not, on their own, demonstrate bias. They argue that in California’s top-two system, late-stage debates should focus on candidates with measurable support to avoid confusing voters and fragmenting the vote.

This op-ed was originally published by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on March 24, 2026.