8 candidates qualify for first Republican debate, RNC confirms

The Republican National Committee revealed late Monday that eight candidates have qualified for the party’s first primary debate, to be held Wednesday night.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former Vice President Mike Pence, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will be on stage at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum for the debate.

Former President Donald Trump said Sunday night he would skip the debate, citing his massive lead over the rest of the field in national and state polls.

“The RNC is excited to showcase our diverse candidate field and the conservative vision to beat Joe Biden on the debate stage Wednesday night,” party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

“I’d like to thank the RNC’s debate committee Chairman Dave Bossie and Co-Chair Anne Hathaway and our debate partners, Fox News, Young America’s Foundation, and Rumble for their work to kick off the primary process that will put our Party and eventual nominee in the best position to take back the White House next fall.”

To qualify for the debate, candidates had to certify that they had support from 40,000 unique donors, including at least 200 in 20 or more states or territories.

They also had to reach 1% support in three qualifying national polls or two national polls and one poll taken in two of four early voting states — Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.

Candidates also were required to sign a pledge not to take part in any unsanctioned debates and support the eventual Republican nominee for president.

Candidates who did not qualify for the debate include Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, radio talk show host Larry Elder, and businessman Perry Johnson.