Which candidates will qualify for the first Republican debate?

The 2024 GOP presidential primary is getting crowded. At least eight candidates are on track to qualify for the first debate in August. But what are the exact qualifications? Where can it be watched? Here are the answers to those questions.

What are the requirements to qualify for the first Republican primary debate? 

Candidates must be polling at 1% or higher in three national polls, or 1% in two national polls and one early state poll including: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina. 

Candidates must also have a minimum 40,000 unique donors to their principal presidential campaign committee or exploratory committee, with 200 unique donors in 20 or more states or territories. The candidates must prove they have met the fundraising threshold 48 hours prior to the debate. 

When is the first Republican primary debate? 

Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

If enough candidates qualify, a second night will be held Aug. 24. Candidates will be staged in order of polling, with the highest polling candidate in the center and lowest polling candidates on the far sides. 

Where can I watch the first Republican primary debate? 

Fox News Channel and Rumble.

What is the Republican National Committee candidate pledge? 

To participate in the debate, candidates must sign pledges stating they will support the eventual party nominee, not participate in any non-RNC sanctioned debate for the remainder of the election cycle, and agree to RNC data-sharing. 

When and where is the second Republican primary debate? 

The second debate will be held at the Reagan Presidential Library, but a date has not been announced. It is also unknown where it will be available to watch.

The RNC stated that the polling and fundraising requirements may increase. 

Which candidates meet the polling requirements? 

A number of candidates, including one who has not announced he’s running, currently meet the polling requirements, according to the Real Clear Politics average. 

• Former President Donald Trump.

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

• Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. 

• Former Vice President Mike Pence.

• Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

• South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

• Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has not announced. 

• Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.