Seven GOP Candidates Qualify for the Initial Republican Presidential Debate: Meeting RNC Criteria

Ahead of the upcoming Republican presidential primary debate, seven candidates have successfully fulfilled the requirements established by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to secure a place on the debate stage. Hosted by Fox News, the debate is scheduled for August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Criteria Based on Polling and Fundraising Success

To qualify for the debate, candidates had to meet specific criteria regarding national polling results and fundraising performance. They were required to achieve a minimum of 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls along with two state-specific polls from early voting states. These polls had to be recognized by the RNC and conducted on or after July. Additionally, candidates were mandated to acquire 40,000 unique donors to their campaign committee, with a minimum of 200 donors per state or territory in over 20 states and/or territories.

Candidates Who Achieved Both Requirements

Among the candidates who successfully fulfilled both the polling and fundraising thresholds are North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and former President Donald Trump.

Candidates Who Met the Polling Requirement Exclusively

A group of candidates has met the polling requirements but has yet to satisfy the fundraising threshold. This group includes former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Supplementary Conditions and Partners

Aside from the polling and fundraising criteria, candidates were also obligated to sign a pledge supporting the future Republican presidential nominee, abstain from participating in non-RNC-sanctioned debates throughout the 2024 election cycle, and consent to data-sharing with the national party committee.

The initial debate of the 2024 election cycle will be transmitted on Fox News, with online live-streaming offered by Rumble. Young America’s Foundation also contributes as an organizing partner for the inaugural debate.