How to watch first 2023 Republican primary debate: Start time, channel, moderators

The stage is set for the first Republican presidential primary debate.

The debate is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will feature some key figures in the Republican party.

There will be, however, one notable absence.

Former President Donald Trump made it official Sunday that he will skip the first debate, citing his big lead in the GOP polls.

"The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!"

Here's how to watch Wednesday night's debate.

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How to watch first Republican presidential primary debate: Start time, channel

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.

Who is participating in the first GOP presidential primary debate?

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.

The Republican National Committee announced the full lineup of candidates participating in the debate, which includes

• Ron DeSantis

• Tim Scott

• Nikki Haley

• Vivek Ramaswamy

• Chris Christie

• Doug Burgum

• Mike Pence

• Asa Hutchinson

While Trump will not participate, the other eight candidates are expected to be on stage.

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 Trump. He will be on the debate stage, 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 him.

But as Pence has become more critical of Trump, he has attracted more donors − and more ire from the former president.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he surpassed the required 40,000 unique donors on Saturday evening after a swell of contributions that followed Trump's indictment for alleged election interference.

HUTCHINSON MAKES THRESHOLD: Asa Hutchinson, a Trump critic, makes threshold for GOP's first primary debate

Contributing: David Jackson, Francesca Chambers, Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2023 Republican debate: Time, channel, moderators, how to watch