Last updated on November 22nd, 2023 at 10:48 pm
The Republican National Committee recently unveiled the requirements for candidates aiming to participate in the first GOP presidential primary debate scheduled for August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. The new rules include a minimum polling threshold of 1% and a minimum of 40,000 donors, with at least 200 unique donors per state in a minimum of 20 states or territories. Candidates can meet the polling requirement through three national polls where they achieve 1% or a combination of two national polls and one state poll.
While currently only one debate night is anticipated for the first event, there is a possibility of adding a second consecutive night if the number of qualifying candidates continues to grow. The Republican National Committee has set the stage for the first debate of the presidential primary season on August 23 in Milwaukee, with the potential for an additional session the following day if enough candidates meet the criteria.
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel expressed enthusiasm for the Republican Primary debate and emphasized the committee’s commitment to a fair and transparent primary process. The qualifying criteria were designed to position the party and eventual nominee for success in the November 2024 presidential election.
List of Candidates For First GOP Presidential Primary Debate:
As per the existing criteria so far, a minimum of 11 candidates would meet the qualifications to participate in the GOP Primary debate scheduled for August 23.
Candidates Who Meet The Requirements
- Donald Trump
- Ron DeSantis
- Nikki Haley
- Tim Scott
- Vivek Ramaswamy
- Doug Burgum
- Mike Pence
- Chris Christie
- Perry Johnson
- Francis Suarez* (RNC To Conform)
- Will Hurd* (Surpasses 42,000 Donors)
There remains a potential for a last-minute inclusion to this roster, although time is rapidly running out. Watch the First Republican debate, broadcasted live on Fox News from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23rd.
Candidates With The Potential To Qualify
- Larry Elder
- Asa Hutchinson
- Ryan Binkley
It is uncertain at what threshold the Republican Primary debate would transition to multiple nights, but if the field expands to around ten candidates, a single-night event would likely be the maximum capacity. However, splitting the field into two nights of five candidates each would provide more speaking time for each participant, particularly benefiting the peripheral candidates. The prospect of Trump and DeSantis being on different nights raises questions about whether Fox News, the network hosting the debate, would be willing to forgo the ratings boost from a clash between these two prominent figures.
It’s important to note that there is a possibility of Trump boycotting the Republican Primary debate for various reasons, as he first hinted at in April, introducing a wildcard scenario.
Recently Trump Said on Truth Social, “Reagan didn’t do it, and neither did others. People know my Record, one of the BEST EVER, so why would I Debate? I’M YOUR MAN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
For detailed information, including the live stream and updates on qualifying candidates, you can follow the 2024 GOP Debate schedule page.
Disclaimer: This article may contain the viewpoint and opinion of the author.