Debate cancellation highlights racial optics in California’s governor race

CalMatters columnist Dan Walters reports that USC canceled a gubernatorial debate amid accusations of racism over an all-white invite list while Democrats who are Latino, Black, or Asian were excluded; USC defended its polling- and fundraising-based selection method but later backed off amid criticism. The piece notes the controversy comes as polls show two Republicans atop the field (16% and 14%), Democrats mostly in single digits, and about 24% undecided, with mail voting starting in six weeks— underscoring how unsettled and unconventional the race has become.