Four Democratic gubernatorial candidates, including Xavier Becerra, are calling for a boycott of a USC-hosted debate on March 24, arguing that the selection criteria unfairly excluded prominent candidates of color and may have been adjusted to include latecomer Matt Mahan. While organizers maintain the criteria were objective, critics — including academics and strategists — say the process has damaged the event’s credibility. Political Science Assistant Professor Jarred Cuellar defended the methodology as a "clear improvement," noting its  multidimensional, empirically grounded approach more accurately reflects how political scientists assess electoral competitiveness.

This article was originally published by Los Angeles Times on March 20, 2026.