Seven Candidates Qualify for Second GOP Presidential Debate at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

The Republican National Committee has announced that seven candidates have qualified for the second GOP presidential debate, to be held Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The seven candidates are North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who was present at the first debate in August, did not qualify for the second debate. The RNC has set three criteria for qualification: a unique donor threshold, a minimum polling requirement and signed pledges of support from at least two state party chairs or party equivalents.

The debate will be the first since former President Donald Trump attempted a coup to stay in office after losing in 2020. Trump, who was the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential primary, will not be present at the debate.

The debate will be the first opportunity for the seven candidates to make their case to the American people and distinguish themselves from the rest of the field. It will also be the first chance for the candidates to respond to the events of the past few months, including the attempted coup and the ongoing pandemic.

The second GOP presidential debate will be held Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The seven candidates who have qualified for the debate will have the opportunity to make their case to the American people and distinguish themselves from the rest of the field.