The University of Southern California has canceled a scheduled California gubernatorial debate following controversy over the candidate lineup and selection process.

The cancellation came after allegations were raised regarding the criteria used to determine which candidates would participate in the debate. According to reports, concerns were expressed about the composition of the candidate field and the process by which participants were selected.

Xavier Becerra, who serves as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and is a former California Attorney General, was among those who raised objections to the debate format. Becerra alleged that the selection process amounted to election rigging and specifically cited concerns about the exclusion of candidates of color from the debate lineup.

The debate was intended to provide a forum for candidates seeking to run for California governor in the upcoming election cycle. California operates under a top-two primary system, where the two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary election advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

USC has not immediately responded to requests for comment about the specific factors that led to the debate's cancellation or whether the university plans to reschedule the event with modified selection criteria.