The First 2024 Republican Debate: Date, Criteria, and Candidates

In the growing landscape of the 2024 presidential election, the first Republican primary debate is set for August 23, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This debate is a significant milestone for the Republican Party and will lay the groundwork for the primary and general election races.

Debate Date and Location

The official date for the first Republican debate in 2024 is August 23, 2023. Conducted by Fox News Channel, the debate will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This venue and time have been chosen to reflect the wide array of potential candidates and the complex political climate in the United States.

Criteria for Participation

Participation in the debate is based on rigorous criteria that ensure the debates are both fair and meaningful. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

At least one in three high-quality national polls, or a mix of national and early-state polls, occurring between July 1 and August 21. A minimum of 40,000 donors, with at least 200 in 20 or more states. A pledge to support the eventual Republican presidential nominee.

As of August 8, 2023, the following eight candidates have qualified for the debate:

Donald Trump, Former U.S. President Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida and Former Congressman Mike Pence, Former Vice President and Governor of Indiana Nikki Haley, Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Tim Scott, U.S. Senator from South Carolina, Former Congressman Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas Mike Pompeo, Former U.S. Secretary of State Rick Scott, Former U.S. Senator from Florida Kristi Noem, Former Congresswoman and Governor of South Dakota Blake Masters, Former Hedge Fund Manager

The final lineup and qualifications are still in flux as other candidates may meet the requirements before the debate.

Party's Attitude Towards Debates

It is worth noting that some within the Republican Party, particularly those aligned with Donald Trump, have disowned debates. The Trump faction feels that debates undermine his unique approach to politics, which often eschews traditional fact-checking and moderating. As a result, there is a strong likelihood that debates involving primary candidates will be boycotted by Republicans. This will further complicate the political landscape and may impact the overall tone and format of any remaining debates.

Potential Timeline for Future Debates

Considering the current political climate and the need to raise substantial funds, the next major debate, if any, is expected in the spring or summer of 2023. The Democratic debates for the 2020 election began in June 2019, providing a historical point of reference.

However, if the field is exceptionally large and competitive, as many analysts predict, debates could begin even later in 2022, possibly as late as December. The potential candidates for the Republican primary are diverse, with at least 15 to 20 expected to launch their campaigns in early 2023.

Key Candidates

The following individuals are currently considered likely candidates for the Republican nomination:

Donald Trump (Former President) Mike Pence (Former Vice President, Former Governor of Indiana) Nikki Haley (Former Governor of South Carolina, U.S. Ambassador to the UN) Ted Cruz (U.S. Senator from Texas) Ron DeSantis (Governor of Florida, Former Congressman) Josh Hawley (U.S. Senator from Missouri, Former Missouri Attorney General) Kristi Noem (Former Congresswoman, Governor of South Dakota) Bill Lee (Governor of Tennessee) Mitt Romney (Senior U.S. Senator from Utah, Former Governor of Massachusetts, 2012 Republican nominee for President) Larry Hogan (Governor of Maryland) Chris Sununu (Governor of New Hampshire, if he does not run for Senate in 2022) Marco Rubio (U.S. Senator from Florida, 2016 Presidential candidate) Candace Owens (Conservative Author, Activist, Media Personality) Tim Scott (U.S. Senator from South Carolina, Former Congressman) James Lankford (U.S. Senator from Oklahoma) Donald Trump Jr. (Businessman, Activist, Author, will run only if Trump Sr. does not run) John Kasich (Former Congressman, Republican Candidate for President in 2016, Third Party candidate for President in 2000, Former Governor of Ohio) Paul Gosar (Congressman from Arizona, will run only if does not run for Senate/Governor in 2022) Mo Brooks (Congressman from Alabama, will run only if does not run for Senate/Governor in 2022)

The Republican debates are just one aspect of a larger, more complex political process. As the field of candidates grows and evolves, so too will the dynamics of these critical debates.