A California gubernatorial debate was cancelled following criticism that only white candidates in the crowded field had qualified for the event. The University of Southern California and Los Angeles TV station KABC had been co-sponsored by USC for the debate, which was set to be held on Tuesday. The university had faced criticism for using polling and fundraising criteria for participation, which resulted in the exclusion of all non-white gubernatorial candidates. Those excluded included Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond, Betty Yee, and Matt Mahan. The cancellation comes amid concerns from Democratic leaders that the wide-open field could inadvertently introduce a Republican into the governorship in the deep blue state.