Wednesday's Democratic debate will be the first time the majority of participants aren't white

For the first time in presidential campaign history, the majority of the candidates on Wednesday night's debate stage in Detroit won't be white, Politico reports. That's all the more impressive considering the crowded stage will consist of 10 candidates.
Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who are black, will be joined by former Housing Secretary Julián Castro, the only Latino in the race, as well as Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), and entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who are of Pacific Islander and Asian descent, respectively.
Politico reports that the "timing couldn't be more striking," as the Democratic Party is currently undergoing an internal reckoning as its members examine the party's role in implementing policies that have historically contributed to racial inequality in American society. Racial identity could very well end up being discussed at length during Wednesday's debate.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Former Rep. Bakari Sellers (D-S.C.), whose father worked on Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign in 1988, said that the 2020 primaries, with their emphasis on race, are an example of Jackson's efforts coming to fruition. "Black voters are no longer allowing you to give lip service, are no longer allowing you to do photo-ops or show up at the church the weekend before," Sellers said. "There's a lot of parallels to '88 and what Jesse attempted to do." Read more at Politico.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 8, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - trade wars, healthcare costs, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Marbled tea eggs recipe
The Week Recommends With a beautiful exterior, these eggs are also marked by their soft yolk
By The Week UK Published
-
The Washington Post: kowtowing to Trump?
Talking Point The newspaper's opinion editor has handed in his notice following edict from Jeff Bezos
By The Week UK Published
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published