When is the first 2023 Republican debate? Date, start time, participants in primary event
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The Republican National Committee announced in June that the first Republican presidential primary debate will take place in Milwaukee, on Wednesday.
Along with the first GOP debate of the 2024 election cycle, the Republican National Committee will also hold the party’s nominating convention in Wisconsin next year.
The RNC set forth requirements in June that candidates must meet on status, polling, fundraising and pledging to take part in the debate.
Candidates must poll at least 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and 1% from an early state poll from two “carve out” states recognized by the committee.
Candidates must also have a minimum of 40,000 unique donors part of their presidential campaign committee - with at least 200 unique donors per state - and sign a pledge agreeing to support the eventual party nominee.
While top candidates in the Republican primary polls have qualified for a spot, other lesser-known candidates are struggling to make headway. Some candidates have refused to participate altogether.
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Who's participating in the first GOP presidential primary debate?
Nine candidates say they have met the qualifications for a spot on stage in Milwaukee, as of mid-August.
Trump announced on Sunday that he will skip the debate in a Truth Social post, citing his wide lead in the polls.
Trump did not say what he would do counter-program Wednesday's debate. He is reportedly talking about an online interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, but nothing official has been announced.
DeSantis said in an interview in July with Fox News host Will Cain that he will be on the debate stage regardless of whether Trump joins.
Mike Pence qualified for the debate after a surge of donations after the latest indictment of his former boss, Donald Trump. He will be on the debate stage Aug. 23, his campaign confirmed to USA TODAY.
Pence, one of the most recognizable names in the race, took a while to get here. By contrast, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie entered the race a day earlier than Pence and qualified for the debate a month sooner than Pence.
But as Pence has become more critical of Trump, he has attracted more donors − and more ire from the former president.
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How to watch the first Republican presidential primary debate
Fox News announced in June the debate will air exclusively on its channel. It will air from 9-11 p.m. ET.
Who is moderating the first Republican presidential primary debate?
The debate will be co-moderated by Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.
Why is the debate happening in Milwaukee?
Wisconsin is widely viewed as one of the most politically competitive states in the country, according to Barry Burden, director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He said that since the presidential election is decided by the electoral count rather than the popular vote, a shift of even a small number of votes in Wisconsin could help determine who is elected.
"Several analysts are already predicting that Wisconsin will the 'tipping point' state that decides when one of the tickets crosses the crucial threshold of 270 electoral votes," Burden said. "For these reasons the major parties and candidates are laser-focused on the Badger State."
WHY WISCONSIN MATTERS: The first GOP debate is being held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here's why that matters
Unlike some states such as Georgia and Minnesota, which sometimes have close presidential outcomes, Wisconsin is unique for consistently having tight elections, according to Burden. He said that the margin between two frontrunners was often less than 1% in four of the six elections held between 2000 and 2020, and that only two victories from former President Barack Obama stand out as “sizable wins for one candidate.”
Wisconsin, a key battleground state, was the site of previous debates for both the Democratic and Republican parties in the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. Former President Donald Trump, the GOP frontrunner, has also held many rallies there.
“I am so excited to bring the world into Milwaukee, not just for the Republican Party, but to help businesses and business owners to highlight a bipartisan effort to do great things for this urban community,” Ronna McDaniel, the committee’s chair, told Wisconsin Public Radio.
Contributing: Sudiksha Kochi, David Jackson, USA TODAY; Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is first Republican debate? Date, participants in primary event
