What to Know About the First Republican Presidential Debate for the 2024 Election

That déjà vu you feel? It means we’re approaching another presidential election cycle, and though I hate to use the phrase, we really are entering unprecedented times. Current polling shows that the 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who has recently been indicted three times, including for conspiracy to defraud the United States. But there’s still a long road ahead before Election Day, including this cycle’s first Republican presidential primary debate. Below, everything you need to know about the upcoming event.

When is the Republican primary debate?

The Republican National Committee announced the first Republican presidential primary debate will be on August 23 from 9-11 P.M. ET at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

How can I watch the Republican primary debate?

Per Politico, it will be broadcast exclusively on Fox News Channel with Fox Business Network simulcasting the debate. You can also livestream the debate on FoxNews.com or, if you’re a platform subscriber, on Fox Nation. Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will be co-moderating.

Which candidates have qualified for the debate?

In order to participate in this first debate, the RNC announced several qualifications, including the following:

• Poll at least one percent in three national polls or one percent in two national polls and one percent in one early state poll from two separate “carve out” states, which the RNC recognizes as Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, or South Carolina
• Get a minimum of 40,000 unique donors with at least 200 unique donors in at least 20 states or territories
• Pledge to support the 2024 party nominee

So far, the candidates who have qualified include Trump; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott; former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Will Donald Trump be debating?

As of now, it’s unclear. Though Fox News executives have encouraged him to participate, so far he hasn’t confirmed one way or another. Per The New York Times, in July, Trump said on Fox News: “You’re leading people by 50 or 60 points, you say, why would you be doing a debate? It’s actually not fair. Why would you let someone who’s at zero or one or two or three be popping you with questions?”

Madison is a senior writer/editor at ELLE.com, covering news, politics, and culture. When she’s not on the internet, you can most likely find her taking a nap or eating banana bread.