That déjà vu you feel? It means we’re approaching another presidential election cycle, and though I hate to use the phrase, we really are entering unprecedented times. Current polling shows that the 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who has been indicted four times, including for conspiracy to defraud the United States. But there’s still a long road ahead before Election Day, including this cycle’s second Republican presidential primary debate. Below, everything you need to know about the upcoming event.
When and where is the Republican primary debate?
The second Republican presidential primary debate will be on September 27 from 9 to 11 P.M. ET at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
How can I watch the Republican primary debate?
Per The New York Times, it will be broadcast by the Fox Business Network, which is also hosting the debate. Fox News, Fox Nation, Rumble, and Univision will also be airing the debate with the latter running it in Spanish. Fox hosts Dana Perino and Stuart Varney and Univision’s Ilia Calderón will be moderating.
Which candidates have qualified for the debate?
In order to participate in this second debate, the RNC announced several qualifications, including the following:
- Poll at least three percent in two national polls or three percent in one national poll and one early state poll from two separate “carve out” states, which the RNC recognizes as Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, or South Carolina
- Get a minimum of 50,000 unique donors with at least 200 unique donors in at least 20 states or territories
- Pledge to support the 2024 party nominee
So far, the candidates who have qualified include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott; former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; and former Vice President Mike Pence.
Will Donald Trump be debating?
Once again, Trump will not be participating in the debate, despite Fox News and RNC executives encouraging him to join from the start. He also does not technically qualify as he has not pledged to support whomever the Republican nominee will be. Instead, on the same night, Trump will be giving a speech to autoworkers in Michigan, according to NPR.
Madison is the digital deputy editor at ELLE, where she also covers news, politics, and culture. If she’s not online, she’s probably napping or trying not to fall while rock climbing.
