SACRAMENTO, CA — Politico is facing sharp criticism from California voters after excluding Green Party gubernatorial candidate Prof. Butch Ware from its upcoming California Governor Candidate Forum scheduled for August 27.
Instead of adding Ware to the lineup following voter concerns, Politico made a controversial move—removing the word “candidate” from the biographies of all participants in its promotional materials.
Supporters Demand Inclusion
Green Party supporters argue that this exclusion undermines democracy. Prof. Ware had recently drawn enthusiastic support at the SEIU gubernatorial candidate forum, consistently receiving the loudest audience response and ranking highest in member polls.
Former Santa Monica mayor Mike Feinstein criticized Politico in a letter, saying:
“This is not the first time that a strong Green performance in a candidate forum has led to that candidate being excluded from future debates.”
History of Green Exclusion
This controversy echoes a long-standing pattern:
- 1998: Democrat Gray Davis refused to debate after Green candidate Dan Hamburg drew more applause.
- 2002: Davis barred Green candidate Peter Camejo from even sitting in the debate audience.
- 2010: Green candidate Laura Wells was arrested outside a gubernatorial debate she was ticketed to attend.
Now in 2025, supporters say Politico’s actions continue this trend of sidelining third-party voices.
Critics Point to Corporate Influence
Public frustration is compounded by Politico’s decision to host a post-forum mixer with corporate sponsors, raising questions about whether the event serves voters or corporate interests.
Campaign representatives argue that excluding Prof. Ware denies Californians a meaningful alternative to the two-party “corporate duopoly” on pressing issues like housing, healthcare, climate, and education.
Campaign Response
The Butch Ware campaign is urging Politico to “do the right thing” and include him on stage, giving Californians the full spectrum of choices.
📌 Learn more: ButchWare4Gov.com
📌 Full report: Politico California Playbook
Dearborn Blog 