California Dems unleashed pressure campaign against USC prior to debate cancellation

California Dems unleashed pressure campaign against USC prior to debate cancellation

'If USC does not do the right thing, we call on California voters to boycott this debate,' top Dem lawmakers told the university

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill on November 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The University of Southern California decided to cancel the debate it was going to hold after backlash over its formula used to select which candidates would be able to participate, with some suggesting it was racist. (Reuters)

Republican governor candidate Steve Hilton speaks to press during Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates press event at Huntington Beach on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA. Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates announced his run for California attorney general. (Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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